Interesting case to take Dan Williams

**jjchieffan** · 03-31-2010, 11:35 PM

The Chiefs Need Williams More Than They Need Berry

Just the other day I told you I thought the Chiefs should take a long, hard look at drafting Dan Williams at the #5 spot. I have been thinking about it more and more and I am growing more and more convinced that acquiring Dan Williams is the most important move the Chiefs could make to improve their defense.
Most people consider taking Dan Williams at #5 a drastic reach. They shouldn’t. It is an outdated idea.
Nose tackle in the 3-4 defense is without a doubt the single most important position. A team has no business running the 3-4 without a proper nose.
When you decide to go with 3 lineman instead of 4, you are asking that big fella in the middle to do the job of two men so that your defense has the advantage of having 3 linebackers instead of 4. The linebackers in a 3-4 can see the field better and have a little bit more time to react. The 3-4 also gives the defense the advantage of choosing who the 4th rusher is going to be on any given play. It puts the offense at a disadvantage because they can’t be sure of where that 4th rusher is going to come from.
The Chiefs ran the 3-4 last year without a real nose tackle in Ron Edwards. He plays hard but he isn’t even that good of a 4-3 guard, let alone a 3-4 nose. He had only 26 tackles last year. He also had difficulty eating up blockers.
When the nose tackle fails to eat up blockers, they get to the second level and swallow up the linebackers and safeties who are rushing in to help. If you watched the Chiefs play last year you saw Williams and Mays constantly getting blocked before they could get to the ball carrier, thus springing running backs for huge gains.
Every good NT that might have hit free agency was either franchised or re-signed this offseason. The Patriots opened up the wallet, something they hardly ever do, to pay Vince Wilfork. Teams are switching to the 3-4 so rapidly these days that pretty soon the trendy thing to do will be to switch to the 4-3. The overwhelming number of teams moving to the 3-4 means that quality players that fit the scheme are going to be harder and harder to come by.
In years past, teams could wait until the 2nd or even 3rd round to find their nose tackle because not very many teams were running a 3-4. That is not the case now. It is time for the NFL and draft experts alike, to stop undervaluing the nose tackle as a potential top 10 pick. Without him, the linebackers and safeties can not do their jobs.
Eric Berry, the player many Chiefs fans want the team to go after this year, may not be so high on the draft boards if it was not for his teammate, Dan Williams. The following is from Toolbox.com:
One of the more experienced players in this year’s draft class, Williams has wrapped up an impressive career at Tennessee and is more than ready to take his game to the next level. The defensive tackle redshirted in Knoxville in 2005 and he was basically a full-time starter ever since the beginning of his sophomore campaign in 2007. Although he was often overshadowed on a defense led by star safety Eric Berry, Williams was arguably the glue to the Volunteer defense over the past several years. He recorded 40 tackles and two sacks as a sophomore and as a junior he was third on the team in tackles for loss and second in quarterback hurries, while making 48 total tackles. As a senior, Williams ranked first on the team with nine tackles for loss and nine quarterback hurries. He recorded 70 total tackles (36 solo), 2.5 sacks, and one fumble recovery.
In addition to racking up his own stats, Williams wreaks havoc in the middle of the line to open things up for guys like Berry, linebacker Rico McCoy, and defensive end Chris Walker. “His numbers don’t necessarily show it as far as sacks, but he’s been a force in the middle,” said former head coach Lane Kiffin during the 2009 season. Added McCoy: “I wouldn’t have as many tackles without playing behind Dan. Dan’s taking up a block or two every play, because he demands that attention.”
I am not giving Dan Williams all the credit for Eric Berry being Eric Berry. By all accounts, Eric Berry is a special player and could be great. If the Chiefs draft him, I would be absolutely thrilled but I will still be very concerned about the defense if they fail to add a good nose tackle. No matter how good Berry is, he won’t be able to make the defensive line penetrate the backfield and he won’t be able to make plays if he is running into blockers before he can get to the ball carrier.
If it is ok to take a LT to protect your QB in the top 5 then taking the best player at the position that is the entire key to your defensive success should be as well.
There are 3 good prospects in this draft at NT and they are Dan Williams, Terrance Cody and Cam Thomas. I would say there is an almost 100% chance both Williams and Cody will be gone before the 2nd round begins and probably a 85% chance Thomas is gone before the Chiefs use their first 2nd round pick. After Thomas there is a significant drop off in talent at the position.
Romeo Crennel attended Dan’s Pro Day himself and Pioli proved last season when he took Tyson Jackson that he isn’t afraid to take the best player available at a position if he thinks it will help his team. Don’t be surprised if the Chiefs take Williams early. I would rather have the Chiefs “reach” for the best guy at his position than have them roll the dice that they might be able to turn some 4th or 5th round pick into the most important player on their defense.
Berry would be great but the Chiefs can probably get a very good safety in the 2nd round. I can’t say the same for nose tackle. Moreover, a 2nd round safety may even exceed expectations if big Dan Williams is up front wearing Red and Gold, swallowing up blockers, stuffing the run and opening up holes for the defenders.
Think of it like this. Which would you rather have? A great safety playing below his potential because of bad defense in front of him or a good safety playing great because of his teammates in front of him are great as well?
I’ll go with #2 every time.

http://arrowheadaddict.com/2010/03/3...ey-need-berry/

**jjchieffan** · 03-31-2010, 11:37 PM

I would hate to take him at 5, but if we could drop back a few spots and Take him, that would be pretty sweet.

Chiefs=Champions · 03-31-2010, 11:45 PM

The thing is you can get a NT later on in the draft. its not like they have to be playmakers. essentially there job is to clog up blockers and with that in mind i dont want to spend a top 5 pick on one... meanwhile its much harder to get a sure fire playmaker like berry later in the draft...

KCDC · 03-31-2010, 11:46 PM

Thoughtful analysis. You have almost persuaded me not to sigh in disappointment if he is taken at #5.

Quesadilla Joe · 04-01-2010, 01:14 AM

A premier NT will make everyone on your defense better. Having a beast at NT that can consistently beat double teams and blow up running plays in the backfield is much more important than a safety that relies on the front 7 to be able to make plays. I don't know how good Dan Williams is though. I would draft a Jamal Williams, Vince Wilfork, or a Haoli Ngata over any position except maybe QB if I was running a 3-4.

Berry without a passrush = a waste.

**DaneMcCloud** · 04-01-2010, 01:24 AM

Could you please reformat?

JFC. Who wants to read a gigantic block of shit?

**DaneMcCloud** · 04-01-2010, 01:26 AM

Interesting case?

I've been stating the same ****ing thing for at least 3 GODDAMN WEEKS, with FAR more analysis and detail.

You're a moron, JJ.

And so is this so-called writer.

Mecca · 04-01-2010, 01:43 AM

I personally don't think Dan Williams is all that cut out to be a NT in this type of scheme, I think he'd be awesome doing it in say a scheme like Dallas has.

Williams moves really well for his size and can actually make some plays he's not really a space eating type despite being listed as a NT.

I would hope the Chiefs are smart enough to see that if we're trying to run that NE/Crennel 3-4 Williams profiles more like an end than an NT.

Kinda sad dude is basically to athletic for it.

On top of that Berry has been an impact player from day 1, Williams until his senior year was considered an underachiever that lacked motivation.

salame · 04-01-2010, 02:01 AM

1st round defenders from Tennessee don't seem to make much of an impact their first year in the league

Mecca · 04-01-2010, 02:05 AM

Bad argument son, Berry is from Tennessee also.

And so is Jerod Mayo.

**DaneMcCloud** · 04-01-2010, 02:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mecca

I personally don't think Dan Williams is all that cut out to be a NT in this type of scheme, I think he'd be awesome doing it in say a scheme like Dallas has.

Why the Chiefs aren't running the same 3-4 scheme as Dallas is beyond me.

I said it last season and I'll say it again.

**DaneMcCloud** · 04-01-2010, 02:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by salame

1st round defenders from Tennessee don't seem to make much of an impact their first year in the league

salame · 04-01-2010, 02:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mecca

Bad argument son, Berry is from Tennessee also.

And so is Jerod Mayo.

It wasn't an argument
it was a poke at denver
I forgot to use the sarcasm tags I guess

Quesadilla Joe · 04-01-2010, 03:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by salame

1st round defenders from Tennessee don't seem to make much of an impact their first year in the league

[IMG]Picture of player that Mike Mayock said would be the best defensive player from that draft[/IMG]

Ayers will make an impact this year because he will be starting on the other side of Dumervil.

**the Talking Can** · 04-01-2010, 06:47 AM

so how does williams compare to raji from last year?

still puzzled, just on position, that we took jackson over raji....though i assume they had concerns about his long term work ethic....or something

03-31-2010, 11:35 PM
jjchieffan Supporter Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Highlandville, MO Casino cash: $-27752	Interesting case to take Dan Williams The Chiefs Need Williams More Than They Need Berry Just the other day I told you I thought the Chiefs should take a long, hard look at drafting Dan Williams at the #5 spot. I have been thinking about it more and more and I am growing more and more convinced that acquiring Dan Williams is the most important move the Chiefs could make to improve their defense. Most people consider taking Dan Williams at #5 a drastic reach. They shouldn’t. It is an outdated idea. Nose tackle in the 3-4 defense is without a doubt the single most important position. A team has no business running the 3-4 without a proper nose. When you decide to go with 3 lineman instead of 4, you are asking that big fella in the middle to do the job of two men so that your defense has the advantage of having 3 linebackers instead of 4. The linebackers in a 3-4 can see the field better and have a little bit more time to react. The 3-4 also gives the defense the advantage of choosing who the 4th rusher is going to be on any given play. It puts the offense at a disadvantage because they can’t be sure of where that 4th rusher is going to come from. The Chiefs ran the 3-4 last year without a real nose tackle in Ron Edwards. He plays hard but he isn’t even that good of a 4-3 guard, let alone a 3-4 nose. He had only 26 tackles last year. He also had difficulty eating up blockers. When the nose tackle fails to eat up blockers, they get to the second level and swallow up the linebackers and safeties who are rushing in to help. If you watched the Chiefs play last year you saw Williams and Mays constantly getting blocked before they could get to the ball carrier, thus springing running backs for huge gains. Every good NT that might have hit free agency was either franchised or re-signed this offseason. The Patriots opened up the wallet, something they hardly ever do, to pay Vince Wilfork. Teams are switching to the 3-4 so rapidly these days that pretty soon the trendy thing to do will be to switch to the 4-3. The overwhelming number of teams moving to the 3-4 means that quality players that fit the scheme are going to be harder and harder to come by. In years past, teams could wait until the 2nd or even 3rd round to find their nose tackle because not very many teams were running a 3-4. That is not the case now. It is time for the NFL and draft experts alike, to stop undervaluing the nose tackle as a potential top 10 pick. Without him, the linebackers and safeties can not do their jobs. Eric Berry, the player many Chiefs fans want the team to go after this year, may not be so high on the draft boards if it was not for his teammate, Dan Williams. The following is from Toolbox.com: One of the more experienced players in this year’s draft class, Williams has wrapped up an impressive career at Tennessee and is more than ready to take his game to the next level. The defensive tackle redshirted in Knoxville in 2005 and he was basically a full-time starter ever since the beginning of his sophomore campaign in 2007. Although he was often overshadowed on a defense led by star safety Eric Berry, Williams was arguably the glue to the Volunteer defense over the past several years. He recorded 40 tackles and two sacks as a sophomore and as a junior he was third on the team in tackles for loss and second in quarterback hurries, while making 48 total tackles. As a senior, Williams ranked first on the team with nine tackles for loss and nine quarterback hurries. He recorded 70 total tackles (36 solo), 2.5 sacks, and one fumble recovery. In addition to racking up his own stats, Williams wreaks havoc in the middle of the line to open things up for guys like Berry, linebacker Rico McCoy, and defensive end Chris Walker. “His numbers don’t necessarily show it as far as sacks, but he’s been a force in the middle,” said former head coach Lane Kiffin during the 2009 season. Added McCoy: “I wouldn’t have as many tackles without playing behind Dan. Dan’s taking up a block or two every play, because he demands that attention.” I am not giving Dan Williams all the credit for Eric Berry being Eric Berry. By all accounts, Eric Berry is a special player and could be great. If the Chiefs draft him, I would be absolutely thrilled but I will still be very concerned about the defense if they fail to add a good nose tackle. No matter how good Berry is, he won’t be able to make the defensive line penetrate the backfield and he won’t be able to make plays if he is running into blockers before he can get to the ball carrier. If it is ok to take a LT to protect your QB in the top 5 then taking the best player at the position that is the entire key to your defensive success should be as well. There are 3 good prospects in this draft at NT and they are Dan Williams, Terrance Cody and Cam Thomas. I would say there is an almost 100% chance both Williams and Cody will be gone before the 2nd round begins and probably a 85% chance Thomas is gone before the Chiefs use their first 2nd round pick. After Thomas there is a significant drop off in talent at the position. Romeo Crennel attended Dan’s Pro Day himself and Pioli proved last season when he took Tyson Jackson that he isn’t afraid to take the best player available at a position if he thinks it will help his team. Don’t be surprised if the Chiefs take Williams early. I would rather have the Chiefs “reach” for the best guy at his position than have them roll the dice that they might be able to turn some 4th or 5th round pick into the most important player on their defense. Berry would be great but the Chiefs can probably get a very good safety in the 2nd round. I can’t say the same for nose tackle. Moreover, a 2nd round safety may even exceed expectations if big Dan Williams is up front wearing Red and Gold, swallowing up blockers, stuffing the run and opening up holes for the defenders. Think of it like this. Which would you rather have? A great safety playing below his potential because of bad defense in front of him or a good safety playing great because of his teammates in front of him are great as well? I’ll go with #2 every time. http://arrowheadaddict.com/2010/03/3...ey-need-berry/
Posts: 13,332

03-31-2010, 11:37 PM	#2
jjchieffan Supporter Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Highlandville, MO Casino cash: $-27752	I would hate to take him at 5, but if we could drop back a few spots and Take him, that would be pretty sweet. __________________ Genesis 1:1 In the beginning, God created the Heavens and the Earth. Following the historical accounts and the genealogy from that point on, the age of the Earth is approximately 6000-7000 years old. The Big Bullshit Theory is a lie. It and the evolution theory go against real science. Satan has used our public school system to brainwash everyone into believing these lies. Be not decieved.
Posts: 13,332

03-31-2010, 11:45 PM	#3
Chiefs=Champions Training Camp Hero Join Date: Oct 2006 Casino cash: $7994801	The thing is you can get a NT later on in the draft. its not like they have to be playmakers. essentially there job is to clog up blockers and with that in mind i dont want to spend a top 5 pick on one... meanwhile its much harder to get a sure fire playmaker like berry later in the draft...
Posts: 6,001

03-31-2010, 11:46 PM	#4
KCDC Starter Join Date: Mar 2009 Casino cash: $9616110	Thoughtful analysis. You have almost persuaded me not to sigh in disappointment if he is taken at #5.
Posts: 886

04-01-2010, 01:14 AM	#5
Quesadilla Joe Abolish The Salary Cap! Join Date: Mar 2008 Casino cash: $3408675	A premier NT will make everyone on your defense better. Having a beast at NT that can consistently beat double teams and blow up running plays in the backfield is much more important than a safety that relies on the front 7 to be able to make plays. I don't know how good Dan Williams is though. I would draft a Jamal Williams, Vince Wilfork, or a Haoli Ngata over any position except maybe QB if I was running a 3-4. Berry without a passrush = a waste. __________________ “(Sean) Payton feels as strongly about Bo Nix as he did Mahomes.“ - Adam Schefter
Posts: 19,907

04-01-2010, 01:24 AM	#6
DaneMcCloud Supporter Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Hollywood, CA Casino cash: $10053648	Could you please reformat? JFC. Who wants to read a gigantic block of shit?
Posts: 88,960

04-01-2010, 01:26 AM	#7
DaneMcCloud Supporter Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Hollywood, CA Casino cash: $10053648	Interesting case? I've been stating the same ****ing thing for at least 3 GODDAMN WEEKS, with FAR more analysis and detail. You're a moron, JJ. And so is this so-called writer.
Posts: 88,960

04-01-2010, 01:43 AM	#8
Mecca Hockey Town Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Kansas City, Missouri Casino cash: $-632950	I personally don't think Dan Williams is all that cut out to be a NT in this type of scheme, I think he'd be awesome doing it in say a scheme like Dallas has. Williams moves really well for his size and can actually make some plays he's not really a space eating type despite being listed as a NT. I would hope the Chiefs are smart enough to see that if we're trying to run that NE/Crennel 3-4 Williams profiles more like an end than an NT. Kinda sad dude is basically to athletic for it. On top of that Berry has been an impact player from day 1, Williams until his senior year was considered an underachiever that lacked motivation.
Posts: 115,325

04-01-2010, 02:01 AM	#9
salame Under the Sofa Join Date: Apr 2009 Casino cash: $10010607	1st round defenders from Tennessee don't seem to make much of an impact their first year in the league
Posts: 4,907

04-01-2010, 02:05 AM	#10
Mecca Hockey Town Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Kansas City, Missouri Casino cash: $-632950	Bad argument son, Berry is from Tennessee also. And so is Jerod Mayo.
Posts: 115,325

04-01-2010, 06:47 AM	#15
the Talking Can Supporter Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: street Casino cash: $9242208	so how does williams compare to raji from last year? still puzzled, just on position, that we took jackson over raji....though i assume they had concerns about his long term work ethic....or something __________________ Clark Hunt: "Thank god for the Dominican pool boy"
Posts: 51,585