D.J. Williams: NFL Fullback?
by Stephen Expat on Jan 28, 2011 9:00 AM CST
in Arkansas Razorback Football
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PrintIn a recent blog post from Senior Bowl practices in exotic Mobile, Ala., Chris Low of ESPN briefly mentions the possibility of everyone's favorite Tweeter, former Razorback tight end D.J. Williams, switching positions if he makes it to the NFL (hat tip to Chris Bahn for the link). Low writes:
Arkansas’ D.J. Williams has been impressive with the way he’s caught the ball and has also showcased his athleticism, but the Scouts Inc. crew thinks he’s probably more of a fullback than a tight end in the NFL.
Here's what Chris Bahn of AS360 had to say on the possibility:
Fullback would be an interesting spot for Williams, a player whose blocking ability was a weakness early in his career. Fullbacks in the NFL — while they are used out of the backfield as receivers — are often more utilized in blocking situations. H-back, a sort of hybrid tight end/fullback position, seems most likely.
Williams’ size is probably a factor in some viewing him as not suitable for tight end in the NFL. He measured under 6-foot-2 and weighed 236 pounds. That would be small for a pass-catching tight end in a league where guys like Antonio Gates (6-4, 260), Tony Gonzalez (6-5, 243) and Jeremy Shockey (6-5, 251) excel.
What are your thoughts? What position do you think D.J. would be most suited for in the NFL?
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I posted that yesterday
on my Draft fanpost:
bq. looks like the true measurables are coming in. DJ was measured at the Senior Bowl at 6’2" 235. NFL teams don’t like TE’s of that size. He will have to catch on as a FB or possibly H-Back and those are not usually drafted
"I solemnly swear to tell the truth as I know it, the whole truth as I believe it to be, and nothing but what I think you need to know."
He would be a TE on my team
But last I checked, I don’t own one. Not even a fantasy one! But wherever he ends up, I hope DJ can make some real money for himself and his family. He deserves it.
I don't see this being a problem at all.
Sure, D.J. isn’t your photo-typical NFL TE, but he is a good blocker and runs very well after the catch. There are times he would be used as both (H-back) in the right offense.
He would more than likely do very well in Green Bay’s or New England’s offense with Aaron Rodgers or Tom Brady at the controls.
His draft stock possibly falling because of these issues could be a blessing in disguise, because if his stock does end up dropping because of size issues as a TE, he could very well end up with one of these teams.
Look at Dallas Clark with the Colts. There’s no way D.J. wouldn’t excell in that kind of an offense.
I am not saying
that he won’t or can’t do well in the NFL. I am just saying that teams don’t draft or pay big $$$ for undersized players. It is too bad that they can’t measure heart or amount of game a player has. I believe that DJ would be off the charts if they could.
"I solemnly swear to tell the truth as I know it, the whole truth as I believe it to be, and nothing but what I think you need to know."
Actually Aaron Hernadez has done well in this role
At 6’1" 245 Aaron Hernandez was drafted in the 4th round last year and has done well in the NFL as a rookie. He’s been a hybred of types based on his hands and route running. I see DJ Williams as the same type of guy. He won’t go undrafted with those hands. I see him as a Day 3 guy who will contribute. Dallas Clark is 6’3" 252 but was about 10 pounds lighter coming out of Iowa State. If this guy can block, pass protect, and run with the ball he could be an excellent receiving fullback in the NFL
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