You’ve probably heard the name Elijah Williams popping up in draft circles lately, and honestly, if you haven't been paying attention to the MEAC, you're missing out on one of the most interesting "underdog" stories in the 2025-2026 cycle. We aren't talking about a blue-blood prospect from Alabama or Georgia here. We’re talking about a kid who turned Morgan State into a mandatory stop for NFL scouts.
Basically, the Elijah Williams NFL draft hype isn't just smoke and mirrors. It's built on a foundation of 31 career sacks—a school record, by the way—and a relentless motor that makes him look like he’s playing at 2x speed compared to everyone else on the field.
But can a 6’2” defensive lineman from an HBCU actually make it in the league? That's the question everyone's asking.
Why the Elijah Williams NFL Draft Stock is Skyrocketing
Scouts are kind of obsessed with "Agent Zero" for a reason. Most guys his size get pigeonholed as "tweeners"—too small for the inside, too slow for the edge. Williams? He doesn't really care about your labels. He played at roughly 285 pounds his senior year, which is a bit light for a traditional NFL defensive tackle, but his first step is absolutely lethal.
He was the 2024 MEAC Defensive Player of the Year. That wasn't a fluke.
Look at the numbers: 11 sacks and 15 tackles for loss in a single season. He finished his career as Morgan State’s all-time leader in both categories. When you see him on tape, the first thing you notice isn't his height; it's his hands. He’s got "heavy" hands. He strikes offensive linemen with enough force to stun them, then uses a lateral twitch to skip right past. It’s effective. It's violent. And it’s exactly what the Minnesota Vikings saw when they brought him in as an undrafted free agent (UDFA) in May 2025.
The John Randle Comparisons
People love a good comparison, and for Williams, the name "John Randle" gets thrown around a lot. It’s a massive compliment, sure, but it’s actually grounded in reality. Randle was an undersized, undrafted defensive lineman from an unheralded school who ended up in the Hall of Fame.
- Height: 6'2" (Williams) vs 6'1" (Randle)
- Weight: ~285 lbs (Williams) vs ~290 lbs (Randle)
- Motor: Non-stop (Both)
Will he be the next Randle? Who knows. But the Vikings taking a flier on him proves that they see that same "junk yard dog" mentality.
The Scouting Report: Strengths and Red Flags
If you're looking for a perfect prospect, keep walking. Williams has flaws, and scouts were very vocal about them leading up to the draft. His arm length is below average. In the NFL, if an offensive lineman gets their hands on your chest first, it’s usually game over. Williams has to win with speed and leverage because he won't win the "reach" battle.
He also struggles when he’s double-teamed.
At the FCS level, he could sometimes power through two guys. In the NFL? Those guards are 330 pounds and move like pulling guards. He’s going to have to rely on his "Marketing" degree—literally, he graduated with one—to outsmart guys since he can't always outmuscle them.
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Real Talk on Position Versatility
Most experts think his best fit is as an even-front three-technique. That’s the guy who lines up between the guard and tackle. He’s got the burst to penetrate the gap and cause chaos in the backfield before the handoff even happens.
- Explosive Get-off: He’s usually moving before the O-line has fully stood up.
- Run Stuffing: Surprisingly stout. He doesn't give up ground easily despite being the smaller man.
- Special Teams: He blocked a field goal against North Carolina Central. That kind of utility keeps guys on a 53-man roster.
The HBCU Factor and the 2025 Journey
There's this weird stigma that HBCU stats are "inflated." People say the competition isn't there. But then you watch Williams go to the HBCU Legacy Bowl and absolutely wreck people. He proved he could do it against the best of the best from his peer group.
His journey from Lincoln High School in Jersey City to Baltimore was anything but easy. He’s been open about his academic struggles early on. He almost didn't make it to college at all. But he locked in, got his GPA up, and became a leader on and off the field. That kind of maturity is something NFL GMs value just as much as a 40-yard dash time.
What’s Next for Elijah Williams?
Honestly, the Elijah Williams NFL draft story is just entering its most difficult chapter. Signing with the Vikings was just the entry fee. Now he has to survive the "roster crunch." As of early 2026, he’s fighting to prove that his production at Morgan State translates to Sunday afternoons.
He’s already made an impact in preseason games, showing that his sack-master instincts didn't disappear when he put on a purple jersey. For fans following his path, the key will be watching his weight and his snap count in sub-packages.
If you want to track his progress, keep an eye on the Vikings' rotational depth chart. His ability to play both edge and interior in passing situations makes him a prime candidate for a "breakout" labels. To see him in action, check out his Morgan State highlight reels or follow the Vikings' defensive line stats during the 2026 season.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Check out the HBCU Legacy Bowl archives to see how Williams performed against top-tier competition.
- Monitor the Minnesota Vikings' 53-man roster updates during the 2026 training camp to see if Williams secures a permanent interior role.
- Watch tape on the 3-technique defensive tackle position to understand why Williams' height is actually a leverage advantage in specific NFL schemes.