clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

2013 NFL Draft: Florida State LB Vince Williams

We look at Florida State linebacker Vince Williams, a later-round pick in this year's draft who might be available for the Bears. Interested?

Bob Donnan-US PRESSWIRE

Today's draft spotlight was emailed to me by WCG member Bchuk44, so if you don't like the player, blame him!

In all seriousness, with the signing of DJ Williams on Friday, the Bears' need at linebacker is reduced slightly, but the Bears still could use another starting-capable linebacker. Is Vince Williams necessarily a guy that can fill the strong-side spot?

Williams redshirted in 2009 with a back injury and was held to a backup in 2010, and despite sharing a starting role in 2011 and holding the role in 2012, Williams' stats weren't exactly there. He showed up pretty well in the Senior Bowl and did show improvement in his senior year, but he's still a bit of a work in progress. He also missed much of 2012 spring practice with a cracked tibia.

According to CBS' breakdown of Williams, he's not the most certain in coverage and doesn't quite have the instincts to diagnose a play and react to it, nor does his speed allow him to expand his coverage. However, he does have good tackling ability and is able to strike the ball carrier, particularly in the run game.

CBS lists Williams as the 268th overall prospect and 11th inside linebacker, a seventh-round draft pick at best and an undrafted free agent at worst. WalterFootball agrees with the 11th best linebacking prospect mark, but lists him as a potential 5th-7th rounder. That flies in the face of ESPN's Kevin Weidl, who called him a "steal in the 4th." NFL Draft Central puts him in the 5th or 6th round.

What do you think of Williams? Can you see him on the Bears? Where would you take him if at all?