Packers Meet With Dominant Run-Stopping Prospect

The Packers have met with Ohio State defensive tackle Tyleik Williams for a pre-draft visit, according to FOX Sports NFL Insider Jordan Schultz.

Williams has gained the attention of several teams after a dominant season which resulted in the Buckeyes winning their first National Championship since 2014.

The former Buckeye has also already met with the Eagles, Bills, and Texans while he has future visits scheduled with the Lions, Ravens, and 49ers.

With his help, Ohio State's defense ranked as the No. 1 defense, allowing just 12.9 points per game and 254.6 yards per game, which were both the fewest in the entire FBS.

In four seasons with the team, Williams was an All-Big Ten Honorable Mention for his first two seasons and made Third-team All-Big Ten in each of his final two seasons.

During the 2024 season, Williams had an 88.6 Pro Football Focus (PFF) rush defense rating, which ranked eighth in the FBS. He also accumulated 33 QB hurries over his final two seasons.

Ohio State allowed just 87.6 rush yards per game and the dominant defensive tackle was a major part of that.

The knock on Williams by some is that he won't be an effective three-down player at the NFL level and will have to play a majority of his snaps on early downs. 

This could cause the Packers to go in a different direction considering the team already has a stout rushing defense. However, with the way the league is shifting and the urgent need for run-stoppers, Williams' skill set is more than enough to warrant a top-40 pick.

Wide receiver and defensive back are two of the position groups Green Bay is additionally considering with the 23rd overall pick. The team could look to trade down from 23 or trade up from 54 to acquire Williams.