NFL Draft 2018: One of the top offensive tackle prospects visits the Eagles

Texas offensive tackle Connor Williams is one of 30 2018 NFL Draft prospects scheduled to meet with the Eagles in Philadelphia for an official pre-draft visit, according to a report from Jared Tokarz.

Williams is one of the top offensive line prospects in this year’s class. Mike Mayock has the 20-year-old blocker ranked as his second overall OT behind Mike McGlinchey at No. 1.

The book on Williams is that he put on some really good tape in 2016 before not looking as great in 2017. It’s believed injury issues contributed to Williams’ slump as a junior.

Though he tested strong as an athlete, another concern with Williams is that he lacks ideal size and length for a tackle. His arms measured in at the 6th percentile. There’s thought he might need to move to an interior offensive line position in the NFL.

If he makes it to No. 32, which isn’t a lock, the Eagles could draft Williams with the hopes of grooming him into a potential Jason Peters replacement. If they determine Williams isn’t suited to play tackle, or if Halapoulivaati Vaitai eventually beats him out, the Eagles could shift Williams inside to guard in the future.

Scouting report via NFL.com:

Overview: Williams has been a personal favorite since studying his freshman season, but his 2017 tape didn’t match his previous body of work. Williams seemed to lose some lateral quickness and had troubles holding up at a high level in protection. A move to guard or center is a possibility depending on how his arm length measures out. Williams is a plus run blocker with plug-and-play technique across the board. If he regains his 2016 form, he will be a good NFL starter. If not, he’ll be an average NFL starter.

Sources Tell Us: “I heard all about how good he was last year and then I turned on the tape and what I saw wasn’t a first-rounder at all. I can go back to 2016, but who is he now? I have to know who he is and who he’s going to be in three to five years. Scouting is projecting.” -- NFL team personnel executive

Round Projection: 1-2

NFL Comparison: Jake Matthews

Spider graph via Mockdraftable:

2016 highlights:

Complete list of known Philadelphia Eagles draft visits

Texas OT Connor Williams

OT Jordan Mailata - [Click here]

SMU WR Courtland Sutton - [Click here]

South Alabama DB Jeremy Reaves - [Click here]

Alabama S Ronnie Harrison - [Click here]

USC LB Uchenna Nwosu - [Click here]

Alabama LB Rashaan Evans - [Click here]

UCF CB Mike Hughes - [Click here]

Maryland LB Jermaine Carter - [Click here]

Central Arkansas CB Tremon Smith - [Click here]

Iowa C James Daniels - [Click here]

Miami TE Chris Herndon - [Click here]

South Carolina State LB Darius Leonard - [Click here]

San Diego State RB Rashaad Penny - [Click here]

Western Michigan OT Chukwuma Okorafor - [Click here]

Northern Iowa WR Daurice Fountain - [Click here]

Boise State LB Leighton Vander Esch - [Click here]

Stanford S Justin Reid - [Click here]

LSU RB Derrius Guice - [Click here]

LSU CB Donte Jackson - [Click here]