After addressing the Offensive Line with the 24th Pick in this year’s NFL Draft, the Dallas Cowboys shifted to the other side of the ball and selected Ole Miss Defensive End Sam Williams with the 56th Pick.
Williams, who was a popular prospect targeted in most mocks for the Cowboys, will come in and work on filling the void of DE Randy Gregory, who they failed to re-sign this offseason.
Once the pick was announced, fans and analysts were upset the franchise didn’t go after prospects such as UConn Defensive Tackle Travis Jones, Oklahoma EDGE Nik Bonitto, and Georgia Linebacker Nakobe Dean, who were arguably rated higher than Williams and surprisingly fell.
Nonetheless, Williams gives the Cowboys Defense a uber-athletic edge rusher and there could be a chance he sees early playing time. With all of that in mind, here are some reactions we saw from people on the Cowboys selection of Williams:
Sam Williams. Of course. LOL
— Marcus Mosher (@Marcus_Mosher) April 30, 2022
I’m alone here but I like Sam Williams!
— Connor Livesay (@ConnorNFLDraft) April 30, 2022
War daddy szn. Sam Williams has legitimate double-digit sack potential.
Has a lot of technical work to improve to be a three-down guy right away — but make no mistake — he’s a pass rush specialist. https://t.co/ls3wG1Igup
— Jonah Tuls (@JonahTuls) April 30, 2022
I liked Sam Williams' tape–especially speed rush ability. Was ranked No. 81 overall on my board. Off-field needed vetting but on-field shows third down ability out the gate and starter upside. #Cowboys
— Matt Miller (@nfldraftscout) April 30, 2022
Newest Cowboy : Sam Williams was one of the most productive pass rushers in college football in 2021. He made 12.5 sacks, 16 tackles for loss, 8 quarterback hurries, 4 forced fumbles and a touchdown to lead a revamped Rebels defense.
— Brittany Bowen (@__brittbrat_) April 30, 2022
"Probably would've gone in the first round if it weren't for some off the field concerns…", are the first words out of the NFL Network crew, after Sam Williams was announced.
— Mike Leslie (@MikeLeslieWFAA) April 30, 2022
Sam Williams, good get by the @dallascowboys. Big strong guy who isn’t polished but has some freak tendencies. His first step is best in the draft for an edge. That dangerous Dallas pass rush just got stronger
— Chris Simms (@CSimmsQB) April 30, 2022
I'm not laughing at Sam Williams in general– just that the Cowboys telegraphed this.
It feels a round hot, but the way the WRs got wiped and edge guys went off, there was a lot of talk of this being the preordained selection with how much they invested in Williams.
— KD Drummond (@KDDrummondNFL) April 30, 2022
