Virginia Tech Football: Is Chase Williams a NFL Draft Prospect?

Sep 20, 2014; Blacksburg, VA, USA; Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets quarterback Justin Thomas (5) rushes the ball against Virginia Tech Hokies linebacker Chase Williams (36) during the fourth quarter at Lane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports

Entering this season, Chase Williams probably wasn’t thinking much about a future in the NFL but knew that this upcoming season would finally be his chance to start for the Hokies which would also be his chance to make a push for the NFL. Williams was seen as someone that could immediately be a quality leader in the heart of the Virginia Tech defense but was not on the NFL radar whatsoever.

With the way Williams has played when he is healthy, NFL teams should consider him a future NFL player in some capacity.

The numbers for Williams have been quite impressive despite the fact that he has only played in six full games and some of a seventh game. Williams has 54 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, 15 QB hurries, and 1 forced fumble in what is a very impressive stat line for a player that has only been on the field for six games.

When looking at Williams as a 2015 NFL Draft prospect, the injuries he has picked up do take a hit on his draft stock and give him the tag of being an injury prone player. This is something that limits his draft stock but it isn’t enough to keep him from even being listed by ESPN as a draft prospect which is currently true.

Williams might not have great speed or athleticism but he is a solid athlete that can play at the next level. However, Williams has the intangibles that will make him someone who will stick at the next level.

Williams has a very high football IQ which shows in how he knows how to time his blitzes or close up the right holes to stop an opposing running back. Williams is a quality run defender that can do some damage as a blitzer and can also be used as a spy to help contain mobile quarterbacks.

Chase Williams is also the type of guy you want in your locker room as a hard working, high-character guy who also is a quality leader. Williams is at least someone who can provide quality depth and be a very effective special teams player.

Williams projects as a late-round or undrafted player but this is someone that definitely has the talent to be a quality backup that can be a solid spot starter with the potential to be a starting linebacker. Williams will have a future in the NFL and ESPN should get his NFL Draft player profile set up now.