Meshak Williams: 5 Things You Need to Know About the Kansas State DE

Meshak Williams will enter the NFL draft after enjoying an 11-2 senior season in 2012 at Kansas State.

Though he played defensive end in college, Williams could be moved to a pass-rushing linebacker in the NFL.

CBS currently has Williams ranked as the No. 30 defensive end in the draft who is likely to be a late-round selection.

However, Williams may be one of the more under-valued players in the entire draft.

Background

Full Name: Meshak Williams      

Birthday: June 3, 1991

Hometown: Sylvester, Georgia

High School: Sylvester Worth County

Major: Social Sciences

Year: Senior

Williams was awarded a scholarship to play football at Kansas State but actually spent his first two years in community college after being deemed academically ineligible.

As a junior, he improved his grades and was able to enroll at K-State where he had two solid years as part of the Wildcats defense.

He was one of the more problematic defenders for opponents of Kansas State in his two years there.

Statistics

2009-2010 (Hutchinson Community College): 11 games played, 34 tackles, 26 assists, 25 tackles for loss, 11 sacks, four forced fumbles.

2011 (Kansas State): 13 games played, 18 tackles, 10 assists, seven sacks.

2012 (Kansas State): 13 games played, 33 tackles, 12 assists, 10.5 sacks.

Williams improved upon his 2011 stats during his senior season in which he became one of the better defenders in the conference.

His 10.5 sacks helped him become an All-Big 12 selection.

Draft Process

Measurables

Height: 6'2"

Weight: 247

Pro Day Results (NFL Draft Scout)

40-Yard Dash: 5.04

225-lb Bench Reps: 14

Vertical Jump: 30.5"

Broad Jump: 9'7"

20-Yard Shuttle: 4.59

3-Cone Drill: 7.56

Williams did not participate in the NFL Scouting Combine, but worked out for scouts at the Kansas State pro day on March 12, 2013.

Williams did not impress with his 40 time, though he tweaked his hamstring on his first run.

He could have improved his draft stock by posting better numbers in the bench press and broad jump categories as well.

As such, Williams will be a late-round draft pick or he'll have to find his way onto a roster as an undrafted free agent.

Interesting Facts

Meshak Williams was named to the preseason watch list (ESPN) for the Ted Hendricks award in 2012, given to the nation's top defensive lineman.

In his junior season, Williams and the Wildcats faced the Arkansas Razorbacks in the Cotton Bowl. Williams had to be carted off the field (FOX Sports) in that game after helmet-to-helmet contact with his own teammate.

The move was precautionary, as Williams turned out to be fine after the game where tests were run at a local hospital. 

In high school, Williams was a two-way player, lining up at defensive end and tight end.

Observations

Draft analyst Matt Miller liked what he saw out of Meshak Williams in the Fiesta Bowl against Oregon.

"

Really impressed by #42 Meshak Williams tonight for Kansas State. Looks like a 3-4 OLB at the next level.

— Matt Miller (@nfldraftscout) January 4, 2013"

David Ubben of ESPN named Williams to his All- Big 12 Bowl game team following his performance against Oregon.

Despite a loss, Williams recorded nine tackles and a sack in the game.

During the midst of the 2012 season, his teammate, Curry Sexton, compared Williams to a character from the television show Friday Night Lights (Kansas City Star).

"Right before the West Virginia game, Meshak started saying what was on his mind. Everyone took it to heart. When you hear from a guy you don’t normally hear from like Meshak everyone really notices. That’s something that has been big for our team and our defense.”

Read more here: http://www.kansascity.com/2012/10/30/3893092/meshak-williams-game-rounds-into.html#storylink=cpy