Sam Williams, the second-round pick for the Cowboys, is no stranger to putting heat on the quarterback, ending his career with 22.5 sacks at the University of Mississippi in just three years.
Last season, Williams, an Associated Press (AP) third-team All-American, and first-team All-SEC, produced 15 tackles for loss and eight quarterback hurries. He forced four fumbles and had one fumble recovery for a touchdown.
He finished fifth in the country in sacks while breaking the team’s single-season record with 12.5, one that stood for the previous 30 years.
With a 4.46 at the NFL combine, the 6-foot-4 edge rusher could pose some problems for opposing offensive linemen during his rookie season.
The Dallas Cowboys pick Ole Miss EDGE Sam Williams at No. 56 overall.
90.2 pass rush grade (2nd among SEC EDGEs) ♨️ pic.twitter.com/Z8HjOlsHTt
— PFF College (@PFF_College) April 30, 2022
Quinn left a lasting impression on Williams after working him out at his pro day. He [Williams] after 30 other team visits, told his agent he did not want to go. “I told (Dan Quinn before the draft) I want to be a Cowboy. Being worked out by him was a huge honor,” he said.
New Cowboys DE Sam Williams on @1053thefan: "I told (Dan Quinn before the draft) I want to be a Cowboy. Being worked out by him was a huge honor … I told my agent (after my 30 visit) I don't want to leave. I told them I'm gonna miss my plane on purpose b/c I don't wanna leave."
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) April 30, 2022
As most know, the Cowboys could not constantly stop the run a year ago. Dallas got gashed for over 150 on the ground during its wildcard match-up with the San Francisco 49ers. Williams would not have to be an immediate starter for Dan Quinn and his defense which could be a luxury for the Cowboys.
Williams could keep his legs fresh and move around the defensive line, allowing Quinn and others to find ways to add his athleticism into numerous packages and possibly help plug up some holes and void giving up big plays on the ground.
Cowboys DC Dan Quinn working out Ole Miss DE Sam Williams at his pro day
(Video: @TylerKomis) pic.twitter.com/voZmR2g90Y
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) April 30, 2022
A long versatile player like Micah Parsons, Williams will have the aptness to put his hand in the ground at any spot and go make a play. He will likely be a player who can use his imposing speed to make the offense uncomfortable.
I think our defense could be top ten if the players gel. Great linebackers, great secondary and D_line has potential.
I think this guy is gonna be a lot better than Gregory ever was…. I’m glad we let Gregory walk and drafted Williams!! I think he’s gonna be our next double digit sack edge rusher!! And at worst, he’ll at least have better production than Gregory did!!
If nothing else maybe he will have enough sense not to jump offsides on third and 5 or have a defensive holding call on third and 14 !
He is/was a polarizing type pick. He certainly has the production, but the off field issues apparently turned some people off. Could be a great pick and player if he stays on the straight and narrow, unlike that fool CB. Time will tell.