Draft Exam Review: Round 4

The NFL draft is complete and so are the bulk of the signings of undrafted free agents. I will be analyzing one pick a day this week plus my favorite undrafted free agents to make the roster or practice squad. Keep Pounding!

Round 4, Pick 102: OT Daryl Williams, University of Oklahoma

Daryl Williams is a very large man, and his size is fairly indicative of his play style. He moves well north and south for his 6'5", 327 pound frame, but his lateral quickness will likely limit him to the right side of the line. He was First-team All-Big 12 as a RT last year and that is where Williams will compete with incumbent Mike Remmers for the starting spot this summer. Now, I am about to use a very scary name for Panthers fans, so if you hate bad memories, go ahead and skip to the next paragraph now. I warned you. Williams is the first tackle selected by the Panthers in the first 5 rounds since Jeff Otah, and he kinda reminds me off Otah, but without nearly the same injury concern. Williams did have an MCL sprain in his right knee during his sophomore year (2012), but has since started 26 straight games for the Sooners.

I should discuss that we also traded up to select Williams, giving up picks 124, 161, and 242 for the 102nd pick in the draft. I would have liked to hold on to the 7th round pick, but if that was what was needed to move up to select Williams, then so be it. Williams is a true hog molly, road grading RT prospect who thrives in one-on-one power running matchups. The Panthers should expect to have good success running behind the tandem of Williams and RG Trai Turner for years to come.

Williams is also no slouch in pass protection, having given up not a single sack last season. His success is more predicated on effort and determination than athletic ability though, and losing a few pounds might be beneficial if he can maintain his strength. Ultimately, I think Williams will be the starting RT come Week 1. 

My grade: 87/100

I knew the Panthers would not ignore the offensive line, but I was hoping that the "Michael Oher is our LT" talk was a little bit of a smoke screen or that the Panthers might at least pick up a developmental LT prospect that could sit behind Oher for a season. However, the right tackle position is just as unsettled, and in drafting Williams Gettleman was able to grab a guy I think is an immediate plug-and-play tackle. Without the trade, this pick would have had a higher grade, but I understand that it may have been a necessity.

Projection: 16 games, 16 starts