(Editor's Note: While the start of the 2018 NFL Draft isn't until April 26, it's never too early to profile some of the key participants. The staff of DallasCowboys.com intends to preview the landscape of the draft's top prospect, with an emphasis on possible Cowboys draft picks – from the first round to the last. Today's featured player is Auburn's Tre' Williams.)
- Name: Tre' Williams
- Position: Linebacker
- College:Auburn
- Height/Weight:6-1 / 238
- Honors:Williams was a second-team All-SEC selection in 2017 and received an invite to the Senior Bowl, where he competed on the South team.
- Key Stat:Williams posted 50 tackles and 2.5 sacks as a senior despite playing through a shoulder injury for most of the season and sitting out three games.
Where He's Projected:
Draft observers generally consider Williams a possible Day 3 selection somewhere between the fourth and seventh rounds. Williams wasn't a participant in the NFL Scouting Combine, but he did turn heads at the Senior Bowl with several big hits, showing the type of downhill playmaking ability that made him a team captain at Auburn. He also showed that he's healthy from the shoulder injury that forced him to leave the SEC Championship game in a sling.
How He Helps The Cowboys:
It's no secret the Cowboys have question marks at linebacker. Starter Anthony Hitchens and Kyle Wilber are set to be free agents. Jaylon Smith had an impressive first season back from injury, but how many snaps per game do the Cowboys expect to play him in Year 2? A young linebacker like Williams would add depth at the position and help out on special teams, if nothing else.
Bryan Broaddus' Bottom Line:
- Plays in a rotating system for Auburn. Times where he's on the field, then off for stretches.
- Physically a stout player. When he hits the ball carrier, they stop in their tracks.
- When he chases the ball, will take little steps so he doesn't cover much ground.
- Will get trapped on the wrong side of the play. Don't think he's guessing, but it just happens that way to him.
- Shows awareness in coverage to pick up crossers but lacks the athletic ability to stay with them.
- Tough, two-down player who can line up as the MIKE.
