Over the next few weeks, we'll evaluate the best and worst top 10 picks in a 10-year span from 1999-2008. We capped this at 2008 because it's unfair to judge first- or second-year players. Today, the pick nine success.
Pick: Nine overall
The player: Kevin Williams | DT | Minnesota Vikings (2003)
With the ninth pick between 1999 and 2008, there were a few quality choices. Brian Urlacher (2000) were both hits John Henderson (2002).
Neither has had a career like Williams, however. Williams rocketed up draft boards during his senior season after an ordinary first three years at Oklahoma State. He really turned his draft stock around at the Senior Bowl.
NFL Draft successes and busts 10-year evaluation: 9th overall success
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If you remember, this is the draft where Minnesota held the seventh pick and didn’t get it in on time. Jacksonville jumped ahead with
and Carolina ran the pick of
to the podium. Williams has been better than both.
Since he was drafted, Williams has arguably been the league’s best three-technique tackle. It’s not normal for interior linemen to get sack numbers like Williams does. He has 49.5 for his career, though 22 came in his first two seasons. Still, Williams has been an anchor for the Vikings.Coming tomorrow: The ninth overall bust
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