Bob Donnan – USA TODAY Sports
Sylvester Williams may have been a reach for many who know his life story, but the Denver Broncos have done their homework and believe that the defensive tackle out of North Carolina is ready to become a pro and contribute sooner rather than later.
Williams didn’t play high school football until he was a senior because he stopped going to class as a sophomore. After high school he went to work at a factory before he decided to go to Coffeyville Community College. He played well enough there that the University of North Carolina gave him a shot and it paid off for all parties.
The 2011 season was Williams’ first as a Tar Heel and he recorded 54 tackles, including seven for loss, and 2.5 sacks that made him stand out even with the great talent along the Tar Heels’ defensive line. In 2012, Williams recorded six sacks, 13.5 tackles for loss, and did so in 12 games played.
At 6-foot-3 and 313 pounds, Williams has a quick first step and great vision in the backfield to locate the ball quickly. He also has the quick hands and upper body strength is move blockers and anchor down to clog up running lanes.
Williams should be in a three-man and sometimes four-man roatation as early as game one with fellow defensive tackles Kevin Vickerson, Terrance Knighton and Derek Wolfe, who will mostly play defensive end, but may play some tackle against heavy passing teams.
I wouldn’t be surprised if Williams ends up with around 40 tackles, including five for loss, and two or three sacks on the season as a rookie.
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