Sam Williams gives insightful take on potential role with Cowboys

The Dallas Cowboys added some depth to the defensive line in the 2022 NFL Draft, selecting former Ole Miss edge rusher Sam Williams in the second round. There are holes to fill on the Cowboys defense, and Williams is looking to fill them as he tries to make a strong impression as a rookie.

For Williams, he is trying to focus on himself and let his play do the talking with the Cowboys. He is very confident in his own abilities, and he is committed to working his hardest every day.

“I just came in trying to be the best version of me,” Williams said. “Like I mean the only person who can beat me is me. That’s all I can say. Every day I’m gonna attack greatness, and everything else will take care of itself.”

Before he tries to earn any sort of role on the Cowboys defense, Williams knows that he has work to do first. As rookie minicamp gets underway, Williams is trying to ensure that he grows comfortable and familiar with the playbook and scheme, and he will focus on fighting for his role later on in the process.

“We’re in the process of learning,” said Williams. “Like I can’t get a role if I don’t know what to do.”

Williams on why the Cowboys selected him

Following the NFL Draft, Williams explained to reporters why the Cowboys selected him. He believes that his work ethic and his determination made him an attractive NFL prospect, leading to his selection in the second round.

“I’m relentless … I love the game,” he said. “I’ve studied the game; and they’re gonna get a player that wants to play, wants to win, wants to do his job, wants to go over and beyond. I’m just ready. I can talk about it, but I’m just ready to show it.”

Williams was a consistent contributor across three years at Ole Miss. In 2019, he totaled 38 tackles with 9.5 tackles for loss, six sacks, one interception and one forced fumble. He then totaled 39 tackles with eight tackles for loss, four sacks, and one forced fumble in 2020. This past season in his final year of eligibility, Williams broke out in a big way with 57 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, 12.5 sacks, four forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, one pass defended and one defensive touchdown.

With Randy Gregory leaving in free agency, Williams could have a huge opportunity to push for a pivotal role right away as a rookie.