Undrafted free agent prospect Darryl Williams says the Kansas City Chiefs are going to love his work ethic once he’s able to show them on the field.
One of the most exciting post-draft additions for the Kansas City Chiefs this spring comes in the form of interior offensive line prospect Darryl Williams. Williams signed with K.C. as an undrafted free agent out of Mississippi State and was instantly praised by NFL Draft analysts as a player who surprisingly slipped out of the draft’s seven rounds and right into general manager Brett Veach’s lap.
Williams enters the NFL as a former captain for the Bulldogs who started 38 games along the offensive front. At 6’2, 304 lbs., Williams is projected as a versatile lineman who will need time to develop further technique and strength to succeed at the pro level to any notable degree, but the Chiefs have to love his experience (started all last season at center with two previous years starting at left guard) and drive.
Williams himself said that his work ethic was the one thing he was hungry to bring to the next level. It’s that tenacity that could turn his story into one of an unearthed gem. The Chiefs are certainly hoping that their investment in Williams turns the corner and that he’s able to develop in a way that brings very real competition for an active roster spot. Here’s Williams from a recent video profile from the team’s official site:
"“If you watch me, you’re gonna watch my work ethic. My work ethic is off the charts. A lot of guys tell me each and every day, ‘Why you work so hard in there?’ I said, ‘I want to be the best at what I do.’ So I think that’s biggest thing is I work my tail off each and every day. You get me out there on the field, you get a guy who’s not just going to lead by example with his play but you get a guy who’s going to work his tail off on each and every play.”"
The primary competition for Williams isn’t particularly tough when compared with other positions. It’s clear the Chiefs feel as if help is needed due to their rumored interest in veteran Andrus Peat in free agency and the selection of Lucas Niang in the third round. Niang might develop into an eventual starter at tackle, but Veach was clear he could slide inside early on. The Chiefs have Austin Reiter and Nick Allegretti, Andrew Wylie and Laurent Duvernay-Tardif as other options for the three interior spots.