Cowboys Grab Connor Williams in 2018 NFL Draft; Twitter Salutes Emotional Pick

The Dallas Cowboys just added a big addition up front by taking former Texas Longhorns offensive lineman Connor Williams with the No. 50 overall pick in the 2018 NFL draft. 

Williams was emotional upon hearing he'd be a member of the Cowboys, courtesy of the NFL's official Twitter account:

Reaction was generally positive toward the selection:

There's no doubt that Williams has always been in the top tier of offensive lineman in this year's draft class, but his performance at the scouting combine only solidified his status. Among offensive linemen, he posted the top vertical jump (34 inches), fifth-fastest 40-yard dash time (5.05 seconds), fifth-best broad jump (112 inches) and 11th-most bench press reps (26).

Williams' performance led Bleacher Report's Matt Miller to rank the 6'5", 296-pound former Longhorn as the 13th-best prospect in the draft and the top tackle post-combine.

ESPN draft expert Todd McShay likes what he has seen on film, via Chuck Carlton of the Dallas Morning News: "If you go off the 2016 tape and you feel good about your coaching staff, you're going to get a real good deal late in the first, early in the second [round] on a guy that can potentially play left tackle for you, but the fail-safe is guard."

At Texas, he started 28 games during his three-year career. He was named a second-team All-American in 2016 on his way to being named an Outland Trophy (college football's best interior lineman) semifinalist.

Williams is viewed as one of the most NFL-ready linemen in this draft, as he is a hard worker, has a good technique and has leadership qualities. He is already a solid run blocker and should only get better at protecting the quarterback. The biggest question is what position he will play—but he should help Dallas' line wherever he winds up.

Williams may start at right tackle opposite Tyron Smith at right tackle. The Cowboys signed Cameron Fleming to a one-year deal, but that shouldn't preclude Williams from winning the starting job.

If Fleming is the No. 1 option in Week 1, then Williams should have the inside track in 2019. Either way, Williams should help Dallas once again have one of the league's best offensive lines after a disappointing 2017.