The Leading Authority of the NFL Draft

Senior Bowl Riser: Williams was an absolute brick wall that constantly played low, enabling him to gain leverage on blockers. The large tackle routinely locked up his adversaries and opened up clean lanes for linebackers to swoop in for the tackle. In addition, Williams did a marvelous job of recognizing a delayed screen play and held the intended target at the line of scrimmage, forcing the quarterback to throw the ball away.

SCOUT'S TAKE

Skinny: Williams is a great run stopper. He can get movement up front and cause plays to break down, forcing opposing players to try and make something out of nothing. He is big and strong, yet agile when manning up with any defender who wishes to take him on. He led the defensive line in tackles with 48 in 2008. He also added 8.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, and one pass deflection. He had similar numbers in 2007, when he posted 40 tackles, 6.5 for loss, and two sacks. He should emerge as the star of the Vols’ defense in 2009.

NEWS

Senior Bowl: Dan Williams (DL - Tennessee) had an outstanding day in the pit this afternoon.  He was using multiple moves and relentless motor to get after the quarterback.  He simply pushed down Selvish Capers (OL - West Virginia) and followed that up by beating him with a swim move on the next play.  He’s generating a lot of positive buzz, and his draft stock is clearly on the rise. – Draft Guys (01.26.10)

12.25.09 - Dan Williams has been added to the Senior Bowl. Williams was a first-team All-SEC selection by the AP after making 61 tackles this season. The Memphis native led the team in quarterback hurries with ine and was tied for the lead in tackles for a loss with 8.5

12.19.09 - Tennessee senior DT Dan Williams, who has made a major move up draft boards across the NFL in recent weeks, is being held out of practices for the Vols’ New Year’s Eve bowl because of a concussion.

03.12.09 - This spring, senior Dan Williams will work at nose tackle and competition will rage to fill the "under tackle" spot Warren Sapp made famous. It should be interesting to watch Lane Kiffin's father, Monte, adapt his Tampa 2 defense -- a scheme so effective much of the NFL adopted it -- to the college game.

02.07.09 - Williams asked the NFL for an evaluation on his draft status before opting to return for his senior year. That's good news for Tennessee, which needs the 6-3, 310-pound senior to anchor a relatively thin defensive line. Williams had 48 tackles last year despite an ankle injury that slowed him at times.

09.01.08 - When Williams arrived in Knoxville as a true freshman in July 2005, the Vols' coaching staff wasn't happy with what they saw…or rather, what they couldn't miss. It was Williams, reporting at 6-3, 360 pounds. What happened to the more svelte DT that Tennessee had signed? "I guess I took advantage more than I should of all the free food you got on official recruiting visits," Williams said with a laugh. "Then after I graduated, I just got lax working out. All I did was eat pizza and play PlayStation.” Head coach Phillip Fulmer gave him an ultimatum. Drop weight or welcome to the offensive line. "I thought Dan would be an offensive lineman," Fulmer said. "I didn't know if he would have the quickness and the speed or dedication to be a defensive tackle in this league." Williams proved Fulmer wrong, much to Fulmer's delight. "I really wanted to show the coaches I was committed," Williams said. "Coach Fulmer gave me a very small window like until the next spring to lose about 50 pounds. I did that." Source: Memphis Commercial Appeal

VITALS

Medical Examiner: Williams was slowed by an ankle injury in 2008, but didn’t miss any games.

High School: Williams attended Memphis East High School in Tennessee. He was named All-State by the Associated Press in 2004. In 2003 he was named All-Metro, All-Region, and a member of the Elite Team. As a senior he amassed 132 tackles, five sacks, three forced fumbles, and four fumble recoveries.

Personal: Williams is majoring in legal studies.