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The Baltimore Ravens know they have a keeper in Nose Tackle Brandon Williams, with Williams turning in his second straight stellar season anchoring the defensive line. Williams just completed his third season out of Missouri Southern State, 2 of them as a starter, and the 27 year old has shown the ability and talent which will make the Ravens need to lock him up long term. With one more year on his deal, Williams has yet to make a Pro Bowl, but he was deserving both of the past 2 years.
Bleacher Report just came out with their rankings of the Top 20 Nose Tackles from 2015, and Williams was chosen as the top player at his position. Here is what they had to say:
Pass Rush 26/35
Getting after the quarterback may not be the prime objective of the nose tackle, but it certainly doesn’t hurt if the big man in the middle can consistently generate push and collapse the pocket. Brandon Williams logged 16 quarterback hurries and a pair of sacks in 2015, giving the Ravens an added weapon up front on passing downs.
Run Defense 53/55
A third-round pick in 2013 out of Missouri Southern State, Williams has quickly developed into arguably the NFL’s best run defender among nose tackles. Some might think he's undersized at just 6’1", but at 335 pounds, he uses his shorter, wider frame to his advantage and wins leverage with great pad level. Opponents rarely drive him backward, and he often forces his way into the backfield to disrupt plays as they’re developing.
Position Value 8/8
Overall 87/98
Williams is likely at the top of the Ravens list of extension candidates, as he is one of only a few elite young players on the defense. The Ravens hope he can continue to improve his pass rush abilities and continue to grow. This award will be one of many for him, and hopefully this will be the year he doesn't fly under the Pro Bowl radar.