Cowboys stay local by drafting Texas guard Connor Williams

The Dallas Cowboys have selected guard Connor Williams out of Texas in the second round with the 50th overall pick of the 2018 NFL Draft.

Williams was a standout tackle with the Longhorns but was announced during the draft by the Cowboys as a guard, so it appears he will be moving inside at the professional level.

He was projected to be a first-round pick during the 2017 season but battled injuries throughout the year. That dropped his stock in the draft and saw him slip to the 50th pick.

Connor Williams Bio

Position: OT
School: Texas
College Experience: Junior
Height: 6-5
Weight: 320 lbs

Strengths

• Smart and instinctive. Rarely caught off guard and is always looking for extra work.
• A smooth athlete in space.
• Solid when mirroring in pass protection. Plays with a good base and balance and stays in position to recover inside.
• Impressive aggression and hand usage. Rushers struggle to get out of his grip once locked down.

Weaknesses

• Regressed during injury-hit 2017 campaign after standout 2016 season. Struggled to maintain blocks and consistent technique.
• May suit a move inside due to his lack of length.
• Occasionally exposed by speed rushers when unable to make contact with the first punch.

Athletic testing