Scouting Journals for Justin Williams

Rangy linebacker with elite speed that makes him a near prototype at the position. Measured in at around 6-foot-2, 210 pounds prior to his senior season. Added very good weight as a junior. Owns plus length for the position with arms a shade under 33 inches. The fastest top linebacker in the combine setting in 2024. Backed that up on the track with a stellar 11.01 second mark in the 100 meters. Transfers that high-end athleticism over to the field. Originally a safety, he moved to linebacker full-time as a junior and had a very productive season, notching 105 tackles, 18 tackles for loss and 8.5 sacks. Lines up as a mike backer for his high school. Shows the ability to stack and shed incoming blockers. Excels bringing down ball players from sideline to sideline and in the backfield. Flashes an elite first step and ability to close. Draws on his experience as a safety to aid in coverage and playing in space. Will need to continue adding mass and strength. A strong tackler in his first year as a linebacker but can improve the pop in his hands and overall play strength. Flashes considerable upside given his high-end combination of athleticism, length and range.

Justin Williams moved at a different speed than the rest of the linebackers at Under Armour. The Georgia signee’s 4.4 speed was readily apparent on the practice field and in Wednesday’s game. Williams looks to have the skill set of a modern linebacker. The one-time safety is a natural in space. We saw him jump a pass for a would-be pick six during 7-on-7 work on Day 3. The considerable closing speed was evident on Wednesday, when he tallied three tackles and an emphatic sack during the game. The combination of play speed and cover ability manifests in outstanding range at the position.

Justin Williams (No. 39) was a notable riser among the linebackers, moving up from outside the top 100. The Conroe (Texas) Oak Ridge product has grown into a pure linebacker after beginning his high school career as a defensive back. Williams has put on very solid weight while maintaining his speed (11.09 in the 100 meters). The ability to run and track down plays in pursuit was evident as a junior, as he tallied 105 tackles, 18 tackles for loss and 8.5 sacks last fall.