Ohio State defensive tackle Tyleik Williams is a Day 2 prospect the Denver Broncos should consider if they want to continue adding to their defensive line.
The Denver Broncos improved demonstrably on the defensive side of the ball in 2024. Defensive Coordinator Vance Joseph did a tremendous job with the changes he made. Moreover, the additions of Malcom Roach and John Franklin-Myers in the trenches helped transform the Broncos’ defense to one of the National Football League’s best units.
Head Coach Sean Payton and General Manager George Paton have noted several times over the course of the offseason that building upon their strengths in the trenches is a possibility in the 2025 NFL Draft. Considering several key contributors on the defensive line are up for extensions at the end of next season, that seems like a smart plan of attack.
One prospect on Day 2 that I like is Ohio State defensive tackle Tyleik Williams. He played four years with the Buckeyes (two as a starter) and was a key cog in their National Championship campaign this past season. In his senior year, he amassed 46 tackles, 8 of them for loss, and 2.5 sacks.
A physically imposing force at 6’3” and 334 pounds, Williams’ is best known for his supreme run defense and ability to open up opportunities for his teammates. Let’s take a deeper look at Williams, his strengths and weaknesses, and why and when the Broncos should consider adding him in April.
Player Profile: Tyleik Williams — Defensive Tackle — Ohio State
Height: 6’3” | Weight: 334 pounds | Arm Length: 32” | Hand Size: 10-1/4”
Athletic Testing Scores: Only participated in drills at NFL Combine, fell down at Ohio State’s Pro Day during 40-yard dash and did not resume drills — No RAS available
Statistics at Ohio State: 51 games, 136 tackles, 28 tackles for loss, 11.5 sacks, 1 fumble recovery, 1 forced fumble.
Film Room & Highlights
Hart’s Scouting Report
Positives:
- Imposing physique and heavy-handed defender with impeccable strength at point of attack
- One of the draft’s best run defenders with a knack for disrupting plays in the backfield
- Impressive athlete for his size and has a quick first step off the line of scrimmage
- Moves surprisingly well laterally for on runs moving to the outside
- Handled the ‘dirty work’ for the Buckeyes’ defense that opened up opportunities for his teammates
- Ability to play multiple positions along the Broncos’ defensive front
Negatives:
- Inconsistent technique and pad level causes some issues with leverage and maintaining ground versus interior offensive lineman
- Occasionally gets worn down on long drives and might only be a two-down defender early on in his NFL career
- Arm length is only average for the position
- Needs refinement and work with pass rush moves
Hart’s Projection: Top 50 Selection | Second Round Value
Ohio State DL Tyleik Williams (#91) with the textbook drop leg technique to hold off the double team, sheds the LT block to make the run stop. His flexibility at his size (6-3, 327) is remarkable. pic.twitter.com/rSHp4uUiLl
— Devin Jackson (@RealD_Jackson) January 21, 2025
Why the Denver Broncos should consider drafting Williams
The Broncos have a fearsome foursome with D.J. Jones, Zach Allen, and the aforementioned Franklin-Myers and Roach manning down their defensive front. While they do have some developmental players behind them, none have the impact potential Williams offers as the next level.
Williams’ athletic testing numbers weren’t concretely registered at either the NFL Combine or his Pro Day. However, his tape shows a disruptive force player at the point of attack who can take over drives and make a significant impact in games. He would be a formidable addition to the Broncos’ defense and give them a quality five-deep rotation on in their trenches.
Allen, Franklin-Myers, and Roach are all free agents at the end of the 2025 season. That’s why the Broncos adding another defensive lineman in this year’s draft is an absolute must. With D.J. Jones being rewarded with a three-year extension, it’s quite possible the team prefers to find a prospect that would be better suited to line up at end in Joseph’s defense.
Nevertheless, if the Broncos want to continue to improve in their run defense Williams would be a great selection. His size would also help free up his teammates and Denver’s quality group of edge rush players. I have Williams graded out as a second-round prospect and believe he would be a quality selection if available on Day 2 when the Broncos are picking.