Michael Williams: Video Highlights for Former Alabama Tight End

Strange that of the tight end prospects available for the 2013 NFL draft, Michael Williams was not one of them. Then again, the combine likely would not have shown the true value of this player from defending BCS National Champion Alabama.

There are pass-catching tight ends and blocking tight ends, at least in a nutshell. Williams is the latter, and he has better athleticism than he gets credit for. But this guy is all about run-blocking.

Yes, offensive linemen such as Chance Warmack, D.J. Fluker and Barrett Jones get most of the credit for the Crimson Tide's overwhelming ground game. But Williams, at 6'5'' and close to 270 pounds, was a major contributor in that effort. 

Williams Scores Touchdown off Play-Action

You can call this a ''system touchdown'' if you choose. After all, who's not going to bite on play-action when facing Alabama at the 2-yard line?

Nonetheless, here's a look at how Williams can move when he gets a clean release off the line of scrimmage. 

Quarterback A.J. McCarron offers a pedestrian play-fake that still forces the Michigan defense to over-commit to the run. But in Williams, McCarron has a tall target that he can immediately throw the ball to with little concern about any defender offering much coverage.

Williams, especially on the right team, will be able to capitalize in similar fashion in the NFL.

Williams Shows off His Good Hands with Touchdown Catch in Traffic

On this play from 2011, Williams and McCarron connect on a touchdown reception that did not offer the luxury of play-action.

Williams knows from the moment the ball is snapped that he's the primary target, as does McCarron.

It's one thing to catch a pass wide-open, an advantage play action can create. But it's another to know that once you catch the ball there will likely be near-instant contact from multiple defenders.

When you're as big as Williams is, you're able to either go up for a pass or just let it stab you between the numbers because no defender is likely to either reach the ball or knock it lose.

Williams, known mostly for his run-blocking, will always be a guy that tempts defenses to ignore, and he's more than capable of making them pay for that.

Williams Shows His Speed in Dramatic Fake Field Goal for Touchdown

Since he didn't run at the combine, it's hard to get an accurate read on exactly how fast Williams is.

I'm not sure it really matters.

Williams plays the perfect decoy again on a fake field goal play that ends up a long touchdown pass from the steady and cool McCarron to his large tight end.

Sure, Arkansas had no idea what the play was going to be, but at no point was any Razorbacks defender in position to catch Williams with the little separation he was able to get.

After watching him in the open field, remember that Williams weighs close to 270!

Williams Shows off Mobility and Power While Pulling

Getting a closer look at his power, you'll see that Williams brings a load once he engages any defender, especially when he has momentum.

As an H-back off the line of scrimmage, Williams pulls from right to left on a sweep along with another offensive lineman. The first defender he reaches seems to want no part of the impending collision.

The result is a cakewalk touchdown for running back T.J. Yeldon.

It's beginning to show how dominant a force Williams can be in the running game.

Williams Shows Power in Short Yardage (No. 1)

Not the flashiest of highlights, but this type of ability will never go unnoticed by NFL scouts.

On a simple 3rd-and-1 in the BCS National Championship Game, Williams helps to set the tone early. Notice how he locks on to the first Notre Dame defensive lineman he comes in contact with, stands him up and then blocks a linebacker.

An easy first down was earned on another first-quarter scoring drive that essentially spelled doom for the Fighting Irish.  

No, Notre Dame linebacker Manti Te'o didn't play poorly in this game. He was simply out-manned. 

Williams Shows Power in Short Yardage (No. 2)

On the next 3rd-and-1 faced by the Irish, the result was quite similar, except this play essentially ended the game early in the second quarter. 

Despite not taking out his man, Williams is still able to render him harmless as another gashing run puts Alabama in a 1st-and-goal situation.

Williams would catch a touchdown pass on the very next play to all but put the game away. 

Yes, Alabama had a ton of talent in 2012 and much credit has to be spread around. But Williams should hear his name called somewhere between the fifth and sixth rounds of the upcoming draft. He's played on the biggest of college football stages and since running the football hasn't become banned yet, Williams should be coveted by a smart team that knows how to win on the ground.