Maxx Williams

A prospect just scratching the surface of his potential, Williams owns the all-around skill-set that fits all 32 NFL teams with the ability to line up inline, in the backfield or as a flex option out wide. Although not yet a detailed route runner, he has above average top-end speed for the position with a great feel for throws away from his body, making a number of "wow" catches (and runs) on his college film. Williams is young and needs seasoning, but he has NFL pedigree and projects as a mismatch nightmare with the versatile traits to be equally effective as a pass-catcher and blocker. A three-star tight end recruit out of high school, Williams received some attention from other Big Ten schools, but committed to Minnesota (his father's alma mater) a week after he received the offer his junior year in high school. He redshirted for the Gophers in 2012 and saw immediate playing time as a redshirt freshman in 2013, leading the team with 417 yards receiving over seven starts. Williams boosted his production as a sophomore with a team-best 36 receptions for 569 yards and eight touchdowns, earning First Team All-Big Ten and Second Team All-American honors. In a weak class of tight end prospects, Williams decided to forego his final two seasons in Minneapolis to enter the 2015 NFL Draft.

lacks explosive traits and needs a few steps to get going. has some body tightness and not a twitchy mover, needing to better sink his hips in his breaks to create separation. average-at-best route runner at this point in his development with predictable moves, rounding and easily forecasting his patterns. still learning the nuances of the position to set up his movements. room to get stronger and needs to show the same grit as a blocker from snap-to-snap. inconsistent angles and body positioning, not always feeling the hole. will get hung up in the trash when lined up inline and needs to improve his hand technique vs. the jam.

--Dane Brugler

unpolished at the top of his routes, but much improved in this area, showing a nice head dip and body shake to create room to work. competitive natured with determined work ethic and a good head on his shoulders. academic all-american. extensive athletic bloodlines - his father (brian) lettered at minnesota at center (1986-88) and was a first round pick (18th overall) in the 1989 nfl draft, playing 11 seasons for the new york giants - his grandfather (robert) played qb at notre dame and was selected in the 1959 nfl draft -- his mother (rochelle) starred in volleyball at minnesota and received the big ten medal of honor in 1988.

WEAKNESSES

strengths

Looks the part with an excellent frame and workable build. Terrific athleticism with fluidity to shift his weight well in his breaks. Flexible with quick reflexes to find the ball. Smooth route acceleration off the line of scrimmage to stress the seam and gain a step on defenders. Strong, decisive strides. Dangerous after the catch with springs in his lower body to leap and hurdle defenders. Large, soft hands and focus to make natural adjustments on the ball without slowing his momentum, extending and snaring grabs in traffic. Has the ballskills and catching radius to make acrobatic catches with conviction and sideline awareness. Physical ballcarrier and lowers his pads to surge forward for positive yardage. Natural body control to engage defenders as a blocker, sustaining and generating momentum on the move. Possesses the point of attack toughness and needed temperament to survive as an inline blocker.

compares to

Jason Witten, Dallas Cowboys -- Williams has the frame, athleticism and ballskills at the position to start quickly in the NFL and carve out a Witten-like career as a pro.

Graduate of Waconia High School.

Rivals.com ranked him as the No. 7 player in Minnesota, while Scout.com ranked as the No. 48 tight end in the nation.

played in Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl as a punter, but also saw action at tight end, catching a touchdown pass during the game.

earned All-State honors from the AP and Minnesota Vikings.

third-team All-Metro by the Star-Tribune as a senior. Earned All-Metro honors from KARE-11 as a punter in 2010.

passed for 784 yards and eight touchdowns as a quarterback in 2011, while rushing 120 times for 902 yards and 13 scores.

recorded 80 tackles and two interceptions as a senior.

coached by Pat Foley.

Born April 12, 1994.

son of Brian and Rochele Williams.

Brian, who lettered at Minnesota from 1986-88, was drafted by and played for the NFL's New York Giants from 1989-99.

grandfather Robert played quarterback at Notre Dame and was drafted by Chicago in 1959.

Rochelle played volleyball at the University of Minnesota from 1984-87 and received the Big Ten Medal of Honor in 1988.

uncle Ron played football for the Gophers and played two seasons of professional football for Barcelona in the World League of American Football.