It is never too early to evaluate interior defensive line depth for the 2026 NFL Draft. General manager Jason Licht has consistently prioritized size and strength along the defensive front, and Todd Bowles’ scheme asks interior defenders to control gaps first and collapse the pocket second. Depth at defensive tackle remains critical, especially when projecting rotational pieces who can absorb snaps and hold the point of attack.

We are working through each position group this cycle. With that in mind, here is our report on Oklahoma interior defensive lineman Damonic Williams.

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Information

Position: Interior Defensive Line

Height Weight: 6-1, 323 pounds

Hometown: Torrance, California

Background

Damonic Williams began his collegiate career at TCU, where he immediately stepped into a starting role as a true freshman in 2022. He started all 15 games for a Horned Frogs team that advanced to the College Football Playoff National Championship. Williams earned freshman All-American honors and quickly established himself as a reliable interior presence.

In 2023 at TCU, he again started every game and earned honorable mention All-Big 12 recognition after totaling 33 tackles and 3.0 sacks. He transferred to Oklahoma in 2024 and continued as a full-time starter, appearing in 13 games with 12 starts and recording 35 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, and 1.0 sack.

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In 2025, Williams served as a team captain and started 11 of 12 games played, finishing with 27 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, and three quarterback hurries. His career reflects durability, experience, and steady production across multiple Power Five seasons.

Notable Stats

56.1 overall defensive grade

Williams’ 2024 season graded more efficiently overall, particularly against the run, while 2025 reflected a step back in overall defensive grade despite similar snap volume.

Skills

Strong base at point of attack

Experienced multi-year starter

Limited pass rush ceiling

Better one-on-one than versus doubles

At 6-1 and 323 pounds, Williams carries natural mass and lower-body strength. He is built to occupy interior gaps and absorb contact. When aligned one-on-one, he can hold his ground and control space, particularly against single blockers in early-down situations.

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However, he is not consistently dominant against double teams and can be displaced when facing combination blocks. His game is built more on effort and positioning than on explosiveness or twitch. As a pass rusher, he generates occasional interior push but does not consistently create high-level disruption. His pressure totals over the last two seasons reflect a limited ceiling in sub-package rush roles.

What stands out is his motor. Williams does not quit on plays and works laterally down the line of scrimmage. His experience as a multi-year starter in the Big 12 and SEC shows in his awareness and ability to execute assignments within structure.

Player Summary

Damonic Williams projects as a priority undrafted free agent or late Day 3 candidate. His size, experience, and run-defense profile provide depth value, but his limited pass rush production and inconsistent ability against double teams will factor into his draft grade.

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In Tampa Bay, Williams would profile as a camp competitor and early-down rotational depth option. His ability to plug running lanes and compete snap-to-snap aligns with Bowles’ emphasis on gap integrity, but he would need to carve out a role through consistency and special teams value to secure a roster spot.

This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Damonic Williams, DL, Oklahoma