Alabama Football: Quinnen Williams should be first pick in NFL Draft

Former Alabama football player, Quinnen Williams showed at the NFL Combine he should be the NFL Draft No. 1 pick. Review why and also why it will not happen.

Former Alabama football player, Quinnen Williams should be the top pick in the 2019 NFL Draft. The buzz coming out of Indianapolis is Williams wowed NFL teams on and off the field. His 4.83 forty was the fourth fastest time ever for a player weighing 300 or more pounds.

In interview sessions with teams, Quinnen was equally impressive. His knowledge of the game, his ability to effectively communicate and his attitude were gauged as exceptional in team interviews.

He did almost everything he could do to enhance his Draft status. The only missing component was from being unable to do the bench press. A healing finger injury kept him from lifting. Quinnen estimated he would be fine to lift in time for the Alabama Football Pro Day on Mar. 19.

NFL Draft experts have said for months the 2019 Draft could see defensive players go No. 1, No. 2 and No. 3. The two players most often projected in a top group of three are Quinnen and  Nick Bosa from Ohio State. The most recent, often mentioned, third pick is outside linebacker Josh Allen from the Kentucky Wildcats.

The dialog has changed considerably over the last few weeks. No longer are Nick Bosa and Quinnen Williams the most popular predictions for the overall top pick in the Draft. That distinction now goes to former Oklahoma quarterback, Kyler Murray.

It is important to remember few NFL first round choices are driven by teams selecting the best available player. Teams use their first round picks to fill significant roster needs. Kyler Murray jumped to the top of most mock draft predictions for three reasons. First, he walked away from a big Major League Baseball deal. Second, the Arizona Cardinals hired Kliff Kingsbury as head coach. Third, it is not in Kliff’s DNA to make a defensive player his team’s top pick.

The Arizona Cardinals pick first and almost every Draft expert predicts Kingsbury will make Murray the No. 1 pick in the 2019 Draft.

That No. 1 pick could have been Quinnen Williams. Except for the Kingsbury factor, it should be Quinnen. Nick Bosa and Josh Allen are tremendous players. Both should star in the NFL for many seasons. They can get to the passer from the outside a shade sooner than Quinnen. But as Quinnen’s combine numbers show that shade of difference is narrow.

There is a gap between Quinnen and other interior defensive linemen. There are several good ones in the 2019 Draft and Quinnen is clearly the best. Josh Allen cannot move inside if a team needs emergency help. Nick Bosa is not a great option to fill-in in the interior of the line either.

Overall Quinnen is the best, combined run-stopper AND pass rusher. As a team needs, he can play inside or slide outside. The NFL is a league of specialists at each position. But the 53-man roster enhances the value of a player who can fill multiple roles. That makes Quinnen Williams the best player in the 2019 Draft.

There will be lots of twists and turns before the actual Draft. The Kyler Murray mania may fade. Quinnen Williams should be the top pick. If he isn’t, count on him being in the top five.