Xavier Williams

Williams didn?t receive much attention from FBS schools as a high school recruit, committing to Northern Iowa at the FCS level and redshirting in 2010. After serving as a backup in 2011, he became a starter as a sophomore and set a school record for blocked kicks (5). Williams finished third on the team in tackles (74) as a junior in 2013 and second in tackles for loss (12.0) and sacks (5.5). He had his best season as a senior in 2014 with 93 total tackles, 14.0 tackles for loss and 8.0 sacks, earning First Team All-MVFC honors. A player who showed consistent improvement each season, Williams has developed into an NFL prospect through hard work and effort, getting every ounce of talent out of his skill-set. The strengths of his game are his active feet and relentless energy to attract double-teams, but his functional upper-body strength is a question mark. He lined up as mostly a one-technique and shaved nose tackle in college, but is scheme versatile who might project best as a three-technique in a 4-3 or five-technique in a 3-4. He?s a mid-round pick who fits best as a rotational player.

strengths

Well-proportioned frame with terrific length to extend and actively use his hands/limbs. Athletic for his size with good forward lean to play low with the body control to be natural on his feet. Good snap quickness and plays with excellent field speed out of his stance.

weaknesses

Doesn?t play with brute strength to overwhelm blockers and needs to strengthen his upper body, lacking ideal bulk. Needs to add more bricks in his pants to better anchor and stay low at the point of attack. Not a twitchy player and takes a moment to collect himself in pursuit. Will let his pads rise and needs to show consistent knee bend from snap to snap. Needs to eliminate the offsides penalties on his resume. Bad habit of lowering his helmet at contact and losing sight of the ball. Needs to improve his ball awareness and anticipation. Room to develop his pass rush moves and hand technique. Played at the FCS level and lacks consistent snaps against top competition.

high motor with consistent effort all four quarters, rarely leaving the field. chases well with the killer instinct to finish ballcarriers. understands leverage and stays under control ? wrestling background (two-time state qualifier in high school). special teams background with eight career blocked kicks in college.

Strong-willed, self-motivated competitor who works his tail off on game day and during practices. Tough guy who doesn?t mind doing the dirty work. Unassuming leader and his character (football and personal) draws high marks from his coaches. Three-year starter with production that consistently improved each year ? type of player who knows how to self-evaluate, push himself and get better.

First-team all-conference pick

named to the Suburban Mid-Six team in 2009

first-team all-metro status

team captain for head coach Ron Freeman and the Grandview Bulldogs

three-year starter on the wrestling team

two-time state qualifier.

Son of Tom and Ursula Copeland

has a sister, Kristen, and a brother, Rodrick, who plays football for the Division II national champion Northwest Missouri State Bearcats

majoring in movement and exercise science.