Connor Williams NFL Draft 2018: Scouting Report for Dallas Cowboys' Pick

POSITIVES

—A naturally gifted, fluid athlete with explosive tape in pass protection and the run game.

—Bends well and has the flexibility to handle speed rushers off the edge.

—Day one impact in the passing game and has smooth movement to protect the corner.

—High-level instincts and awareness. His tape shows a high football IQ.

—Excellent in space, where his athleticism and agility show up.

—Showed post-knee injury in 2017 that he can play mean and bury pass-rushers.

—Will be 20 years old when drafted.

NEGATIVES

—Missed half the season in 2017 because of the knee injury (no surgery required).

—Arms measured at just 33 inches with a wingspan of 77 ⅞ inches. Both are low for tackles.

—Multiple scouts we spoke with suggested a move to guard, ala Zack Martin.

—Weighed in under 300 pounds at the combine (296 lbs).

—Play regressed in 2017 before injury.

Connor Williams OT NFL Draft

OVERALL

Heading into the 2017 season, it looked like Connor Williams would be a top-10 pick. A rough game against Maryland and a September injury against USC changed that perception, but his technique is still the best of anyone in the class, and he's a top-tier athlete. His arms might be a little short for some teams, but he should be the first tackle drafted.

GRADE: 7.10 (Round 1)

PRO COMPARISON: Joe Staley, San Francisco 49ers