Alabama NT Jesse Williams can handle 600 pounds on the bench press. He reportedly can do more, but stops at 600 as a precaution. Make sure to take a moment to hear Williams talk to the Birmingham News about his bench press:
Having super-human strength is a good start for Williams, who will be sliding down to the nose after playing primarily DE in Alabama's 3-4 defense in 2011. The Australian had 24 tackles, including four for loss in 2011. Playing NT isn't as much about stats as it is occupying gaps so that LBs can fly around and make plays. How will Williams make the adjustment in 2012?
Why he'll flourish: He clearly has the strength to handle whoever lines up in front him. He has good size at 6-foot-4 and 320 pounds, even though he's not the biggest NT around. That honor goes to Georgia's behemoth duo of John Jenkins and Kwame Geathers, who both weigh 350, and Tennessee's 6-foot-6, 377-pound NT Daniel McCullers. He may not be as big as some SEC counterparts, but he makes up for that with great explosion off the ball. As always, Alabama will surround him with talent in the front seven, including DE Damion Square and LBs C.J. Mosley and Nico Johnson.
Why he'll struggle: Playing NT in Alabama's defense is simply a demanding job -- more so than playing on the end. He only had one blocker occupying him at times in 2011, but he will see double teams on a regular basis in 2012. There also is no real proven backup to give Williams some breaks form his demanding spot. Coach Nick Saban will find a way to get him some rest, but the physical nature of that spot will take a toll over the course of the season.
NFL outlook: NFLDraftScout.com has Williams as the No. 3 DT for the 2013 draft. As a junior college transfer, he will only have two seasons of FBS experience when he goes pro, but his strength and athleticism certainly make him an intriguing prospect. He could play DT in a 4-3, or DE or NT in a 3-4. Expect Williams to go off the board in the first few rounds of the 2013 draft.
Projected 2012 stat line: 30 tackles, eight tackles for loss, two sacks.
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