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.
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.
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.
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.
