The resume that Jonah Williams has compiled in three seasons as an anchor on both sides of Alabama’s offensive line shows that he has checked all the boxes required to make him one of the first offensive linemen taken in this year’s draft.
He started all 44 games in his three seasons at Alabama, and like his teammates he has been accustomed to playing in big games for college football’s winningest program over the last decade.
Versatility isn’t a question. He started all 15 games at right tackle as a freshman in 2016, then moved to left tackle and started all 29 as a sophomore and junior.
Durability and availability aren’t an issue, as 44 starts out of 44 games would indicate.
And there weren’t any glaring flaws when he went through the first battery of tests at this week’s Combine. He was measured at 6-4-4, 302 pounds with big hands. Pushing 225 pounds 23 times in the bench press put him in the middle of the pack.
View photos of the prospects that met the media on Day 1 of the 2019 NFL Combine.
Oklahoma State running back Justice Hill talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Washington State running back James Williams talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Alabama running back Josh Jacobs talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Temple running back Ryquell Armstead talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Kansas State running back Alex Barnes talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Michigan running back Karan Higdon talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Texas A&M running back Trayveon Williams talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Iowa State running back David Montgomery talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Pitt running back Quadree Ollison talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Memphis running back Darrell Henderson talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Ohio State running back Damien Harris talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Florida offensive lineman Jaawan Taylor talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Florida Atlantic running back Devin Singletary talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Ohio State running back Mike Weber talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Kentucky running back Benny Snell talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Boise State running back Alexander Mattison talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
LSU running back Nick Brosstte talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Washington running back Miles Gaskin talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Florida running back Jordan Scarlett talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Miami running back Travis Homer talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Penn State running back Miles Sanders talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Wisconsin running back Alec Ingold talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Appalachian State running back Jalin Moore talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Stanford running back Bryce Love talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Notre Dame running back Dexter Williams talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Oklahoma running back Rodney Anderson talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Miami running back Travis Homer talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Michigan State running back L.J. Scott talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Georgia running back Elijah Holyfield talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Memphis running back Tony Pollard talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Alabama offensive lineman Ross Pierschbacher talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
NC State offensive lineman Tyler Jones talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Ohio State offensive lineman Mike Jordan talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Indiana offensive lineman Brandon Knight talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Washington offensive lineman Kaleb McGary talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
UCLA offensive lineman Andre James talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Florida offensive lineman Fred Johnson talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Ferris State offensive lineman Devon Johnson talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Alabama State offensive lineman Tytus Howard talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Florida offensive lineman Tez Ivey talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Northern Illinois offensive lineman Max Scharping talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Penn State offensive lineman Connor McGovern talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Alabama offensive lineman Jonah Williams talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Kansas State offensive lineman Dalton Risner talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Ohio State offensive lineman Isaiah Prince talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Virginia Tech offensive lineman Yosh Nijman talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
San Diego State offensive lineman Tyler Roemer talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Sioux Falls offensive lineman Trey Pipkins talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Elon offensive lineman Oli Udoh talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Texas A&M offensive lineman Erik McCoy talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Weber State offensive lineman Iosua Opeta talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
San Diego State offensive lineman Ryan Pope talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Clemson offensive lineman Mitch Hyatt talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Boston College offensive lineman Christopher Lindstrom talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
North Carolina offensive lineman William Sweet talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Morgan State offensive lineman Joshua Miles talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Ole Miss offensive lineman Greg Little talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Mississippi State offensive lineman Elgton Jenkins talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Oklahoma offensive lineman Dru Samia talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Oklahoma offensive lineman Cody Ford talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Arkansas offensive lineman Hjalte Froholdt talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Georgia offensive lineman Lamont Gaillard talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Wake Forest offensive lineman Phil Haynes talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
West Virginia offensive lineman Yodny Cajuste talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Minnesota offensive lineman Donnell Greene talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Charlotte offensive lineman Nate Davis talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
South Carolina offensive lineman Zack Bailey talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Notre Dame offensive lineman Alex Bars talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Washington State offensive lineman Andre Dillard talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Villanova offensive lineman Ethan Greenidge talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
USC offensive lineman Chuma Edoga talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Utah offensive lineman Jackson Barton talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Oklahoma offensive lineman Bobby Evans talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Maryland offensive lineman Derwin Gray talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Vanderbilt quarterback Kyle Shurmur talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Wisconsin offensive lineman David Edwards talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
North Dakota State quarterback Easton Stick talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
South Carolina offensive lineman Dennis Daley talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Wisconsin offensive lineman Beau Benzchawel talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Penn State offensive lineman Ryan Bates talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Ole Miss quarterback Jordan Ta'amu talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Missouri offensive lineman Paul Adams talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Boise State quarterback Brett Rypien talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Mississippi State offensive lineman Shaq Calhoun talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
NC State offensive lineman Garret Bradbury talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Wisconsin offensive lineman Michael Deiter talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
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But there was one rub for those who split hairs and parse pounds and inches. Williams’ arm length was measured at 33-5. That’s not at the bottom, but it was below the middle of all offensive line tests. That includes the entire group – guards, centers and tackles.
Most draft projections have Williams being taken in the top 10, perhaps as high as fifth overall by the Tampa Bay Bucs.
Williams didn’t seem concerned about his arm length in his media interview. He had done some research on other tackles, which likely indicates he wasn’t surprised by his measurement.
“I think that’s a small portion of what it takes to be a tackle at the next level,” he told reporters.
“I think if you look at a lot of the really successful tackles over the years, the past 10 years – Joe Thomas, Joe Staley, Jake Matthews, Jason Peters, La’el Collins, Riley Reiff, Ryan Ramczyk – just a couple guys off the top of my head that have shorter arms than me.
“I don’t think that’s necessarily a huge deal. I’m proud of the way I play. If my fingers were an eighth of an inch longer, I might be good enough. I think the way that I play is what defines me as a football player.”
It might seem like a small thing, but small things add up in the evaluation process. Arm length is important for offensive linemen. Longer arms give them a better chance to control the defensive linemen they’re blocking.
There is a question about where Williams is best suited to play in the NFL. Some teams project him as a better prospect at guard than tackle.
Changing positions from college to the NFL is not uncommon, even for high draft picks.
The Lions are an example of that. Last year they drafted Arkansas center Frank Ragnow and moved him to left guard, where he started all 16 games and missed only one snap because of a problem with a shoe.
“I’ll play wherever a team wants me to play,” Williams said. “I was the best offensive tackle in college football, so I know I can play at the next level. But I’m a competitor. I want to be on the field.
“I’ll play wherever a team wants me to play.”
Playing in the powerful SEC, and practicing against teammates such as defensive lineman Quinnen Williams, a likely top-five draft pick this year, has benefitted Jonah Williams – as it does teammates at all positions.
“Iron sharpens iron.” Jonah Williams said. “I think he (Quinnen) makes us better, and we make him better.”
