Bills LB Dorian Williams: 'Instant Impact' Enough to Make All-Rookie Team?
The Buffalo Bills used four of their six picks in the 2023 NFL Draft to address the offense, a unit that was already seen as Buffalo's strength.
This will only magnify the defensive performance of third-round rookie linebacker Dorian Williams, who could immediately step into an important role this season despite being on a defense that has its fair share of veterans.
And according to NFL.com's projections, this could result in Williams being honored with an All-Rookie selection by season's end. The site, which made selections based on the player's "instant impact" as newcomers, listed Williams as one of three linebackers on the projected Defensive All-Rookie team, something that would certainly help Bills Mafia feel more at ease with losing Tremaine Edmunds in free agency.
Still, Williams will have a ton to prove during his first season before that can be the case. But here's why NFL.com sees it as a possibility despite the Tulane product having yet to play his first pro game:
Williams could earn a starting spot for the Bills in 2023, possibly replacing Tremaine Edmunds in the middle, given the third-round pick's powerful tackling and nose for the ball. He's no run-plugger, though, so expect to see him chasing down plays headed for the sideline.
Williams and the Green Wave finished the 2021 season with a 2-12 record but did a complete 180 in 2022, going 12-2 and winning the Cotton Bowl over the talented USC Trojans. Williams was a major reason why, as he did a little bit of everything. Along with posting a career-high 17 tackles in that 46-45 win over USC, he led Tulane in tackles (131), sacks (five), was second in passes defended (seven), had two interceptions and forced two fumbles during the season.
"He's a tackle machine, he's very athletic," Bills general manager Brandon Beane said after selecting him.
The playing time and tackle totals will need to pile up for Williams to earn his way into the All-Rookie conversation. And if he does, Beane and the front office will look like geniuses after snagging him in the third round.
You can follow Zach Dimmitt on Twitter at @ZachDimmitt7
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