Quinnen Williams could be a real asset for the Raiders defense if they select him No. 4 overall in the 2019 NFL Draft. The Alabama defensive lineman wowed at the University of Alabama, and showed great athleticism and elusiveness for someone so big.
There's real doubt Williams (6-foot-4, 289 pounds) will make it to the fourth pick. He could go as high as No. 1 overall if he supports a dominant 2018 season with excellent work in the pre-draft process.
The Arizona Cardinals, 49ers and New York Jets all sit above the Raiders and could use a defensive lineman or pass rusher, and Williams could well be that guy. In fact, most mock draft have him going in the top 3.
Williams, however, believes he should be the first player taken, even with fellow elite defensive linemen Ohio State's Nick Bosa, Kentucky's Josh Allen and Michigan's Rashan Gary in the field.
"I'm a humble kid, so I never thought about going No. 1 or No. 2 overall in the draft." Williams said during a Wednesday appearance on NFL Network. "I'm just blessed to be in the draft in general, and I'm blessed to be mentioned with those guys. I was with Josh Allen at some awards shows, and I've seen Bosa highlights and he's a great player.
"I'm a great player also, and I'm a very hard worker. My IQ level for football is through the roof, and I believe I can compete for that position and become the No. 1 pick if I crush the combine and do what I have to do."
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Williams was awesome for Alabama last season in his only year as a starter, recording 71 tackles, including 19.5 for a loss, eight sacks and a pass defensed.
The Birmingham, Ala. native is training in Los Angeles right now, prepping for the NFL Pro Scouting Combine at the next of this month. He'll have a pro day at Alabama after that, likely the final showcase before the NFL draft.
