OT Chris Williams Aces the Wonderlic

by Jaxon on Mar 23, 2008 12:08 PM EDT in Panther News

Here’s the first post I’ve seen that details prospect Wonderlic scores. As I had expected, Vanderbilt OT Chris Williams led all of the top linemen in the NFL’s preferred intelligence test.

Most of the top offensive linemen also tested well. Michigan's Jake Long scored a 26. Pittsburgh's Jeff Otah scored a 28. Southern California's Sam Baker scored a 27. Vanderbilt's Chris Williams scored a 32. Boston College's Godser Cherilus scored a 25. Virginia's Brandon Albert scored a 23. Boise State offensive tackle Ryan Clady had the only disappointing score from the top group of blockers, a 13.

So in order from highest to lowest it’s Williams, Otah, Baker, Long, Cherilus, Albert and Clady. I’m sure Clady would like a do over. Otah helped himself with his score as well.

The only thing Williams detractors can say about him is he has short arms. I haven’t seen an official listing of his arm length yet (I’m still looking), they look fairly normal to me. Ever since Robert Gallery failed to justify his draft position ‘short arms’ are the in vogue reason for failure.

I’ll take a guy with average arms but a high intellect any day. Even more important, he excels at pass blocking.

Strengths: ...does a fantastic job in pass protection...a team leader...

A lot is being made of the Panthers placing more emphasis on a power run game but the left tackle needs to pass protect first and foremost (no more big hits on Jake please). If Clady falls to #13 the Panthers will have a tough decision. I think Clady, Williams and Otah have grades justifying the #13 pick. Clady played at a mid-major and rarely lined up across from NFL-level talent. Otah started only one season at Pitt and has only been playing football a few years. I think Chris Williams presents the least amount of risk in what will be a very important pick to the Panthers front office.

Poll

Which offensive tackle do you prefer at #13?

Ryan Clady

40 votes

Chris Williams

76 votes

Jeff Otah

16 votes

Sam Baker

4 votes

Gosder Cherilus

6 votes

Brandon Albert

3 votes

145 votes | Poll has closed

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Comments

things are looking good

I'm feeling good about our offseason. This article makes it better. I think that any number of the top 5 OT could be available at 13. Many say Clady won't get past 12, just like Patrick Willis last season. Our response was to trade down and get Beason, and another 2nd rounder. We have leverage in this year's draft due to the Jenkins trade. I'm assuming it was a good move because I have confidence in Fox and Hurney. Our defense is going to be better with Landon Johnson and Tyler Drayton, even if they don't start. Terrence Holt will be a solid addition to our secondary. We've certainly helped our team tremendously through FA, especailly the receiving corps. Now we're in a position to get a solid LT in the draft. We can get Williams at LT next to Wharton at LG with Gross on the right. Our OL will be better, but I think the main reason we missed the playoffs was Jake's injury. Plug him back into a more talented team, and we've got 10-12 wins coming to us, and the division crown.

The key, though, is who we pick in the 1st rd, and if that guy is our starting LT for the next decade. I like Williams and Clady, but trading down and getting Otah would also be a good move. I'm looking forward to the Panthers run to the Superbowl. I think we'll get another DB, RB, and passrusher in the draft. We have the talent now to be able to switch from the 4-3 to the 3-4 and back. Lewis, Peppers and (whoever) on the front three with Johnson, Diggs, Davis and Beason on the field at the same time. That LB athleticism would enable us to employ more zone blitzes and really get after the QB.

It's going to be a really good year in Carolina.

by usana_gaines on Mar 23, 2008 6:09 PM EDT reply actions

I'm feeling it too

We still need depth on both lines and a starter on the offensive line. Overall this roster is improved over last years. Add Jake back in and given how weak the NFC South should be, 10 wins should not be a problem.

I'm fired up for this draft already.

by Jaxon on Mar 23, 2008 8:48 PM EDT up reply actions

arm length..is it overrated?

hi, been reading the blog as the best panther's news while i'm out in Iraq....

Chris Williams Arms has a "32 7/8-inch arm length"
http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/player...

For comparison
Jake Long 32 7/8
Ryan Clady 36 5/8
Branden Albert 35 1/2
Godser Cherilus 35 5/8
Jeff Otah 34 5/8
Sam Baker 32 3/8
Carl Nicks 35
Heath Benedict 33 4/8

Joe Thomas 32 1/2
Robert Gallery 32
D'Brickashaw Ferguson 35 1/2

by lj1983 on Mar 24, 2008 9:32 AM EDT reply actions

Great info - thanks

Wow, I would never have guessed there would be such a difference for guys around the same height. I wonder how Joe Thomas did last season with his 'short' arms? Clady does have some long arms...hmmm...

Anyone else have any thoughts on this?

by Jaxon on Mar 24, 2008 11:10 AM EDT up reply actions