Potential Bills target: Draft analysts take on Jonah Williams

Former Alabama left tackle Jonah Williams is one of the top projected offensive linemen in the 2019 NFL Draft but he is also controversial. The Buffalo Bills still have needs along the offensive line and Williams can play either guard or tackle. Some people think he projects better as a guard because of his lack of size and length while others think he can succeed at tackle despite those things.

Joe Marino from The Draft Network and Lance Zierlein of NFL.com have this to say about Williams:

Joe Marino Overview

“Williams’(s) balanced and smooth footwork, combined with technical refinement and excellent play strength make him an exciting prospect. While he deserves a chance to prove his lack of reach will limit him too much in the NFL, he has tremendous upside as an interior blocker. A three-year starter at Alabama, Williams has been tested against the best pass rushers college football has to offer and should be able to make an early impact in his NFL career and anchor a font five for years to come.”

Lance Zierlein Overview

“Early entrant and three-year starter whose work ethic, attention to detail and desire to get better each day have made him a foundation piece of Alabama’s dominant run. Like his idol, Joe Thomas, Williams uses angles, technique and body control to succeed in all facets of the game. He looked more comfortable in his pass sets at left tackle in his final year and he has the tools necessary to counter bigger, longer edge defenders despite a lack of ideal size and length for the left tackle spot. His cerebral nature and potential versatility should make him a safe pick and successful, long-time starter in the NFL.”

The two have different opinions on where Williams should play at the next level, but they share the same opinion when it comes to believing he is going to be a good offensive linemen for years to come.

When the Bills are on the clock at ninth overall, there is possibility that he will be available. Whether or not the Bills would, what some might consider, reach for the former Alabama lineman remains unknown at this point. His lack of length and strength are a hindrance to where he projects in the first round of the NFL Draft, but don't think his 33 5/8” arms won't get the job done when some of the best tackles in the NFL have arms shorter than his (Joe Staley 33 1/2” and Jason Peters 33 1/8”).