Kyle Williams: Buffalo Bills’ 2017 Player Profile
By Ryan Brennan
Kyle Williams could be entering his final season in the NFL, spending his entire 11-year career with the Buffalo Bills — and he’s as ready as ever.
If you’ve been a Buffalo Bills’ fan the past decade and having grown to absolutely love the Pro-Bowl defensive tackle Kyle Williams, then you’re not truly a Bills’ fan. I’m pretty sure everyone can acknowledge that K-Will is one of the hardest working players in the NFL.
He brings the type of fire needed week-in and week-out in the NFL and also makes sure his teammates give him the same effort he gives them. He’s been one of the biggest voices in the Bills’ locker room — in history — and has made the pre-game speech something to look forward to.
At 34 years old, this very well could be Williams’ last rodeo in the NFL. There were chances of him retiring this season, but new head coach Sean McDermott ultimately persuaded him back to Buffalo for another shot at breaking the playoff dry-spell.
I’ll tell you what, breaking that spell will be a hell-of-a-lot easier with Kyle Williams on that defensive line.
Williams will be a starter in 2017 and will work alongside Marcell Dareus and likely Jerry Hughes. Does that sound familiar? If not, take your Bills’ history back a couple of years to when they had a top defense in the league. Going back to the 2013 and 2014 seasons, the trio combined for 53 sacks over that period.
I can definitely take a little more of that action in 2017 and it’s a big reason I see Kyle Williams finding a way to contribute big — just like he did last season.
If you’re not excited to see Kyle Williams go to work this season, then you’re not a true Bills’ fan. Here’s a quick video to get you as pumped as I am:
Kyle Williams’ Profile
Position: DT
Number: 95
Height: 6’1”
Weight: 300 pounds
Age: 34 years old
College: LSU
Drafted: 5th Round, 134th (2006 by BUF)
The Buffalo Bills traded Eric Moulds in 2006 to the Houston Texans. In return, they received a 5th round draft pick — selecting Kyle Williams.
Current Contract: 3-year $22.3 million
2017 Base Salary: $6.3 million
2017 Cap Hit: $8.3 million
2016 Stats (BUF): 15 games, 64 tackles, 5.0 sacks, 7 stuffs
2015 Stats (BUF): 6 games, 14 tackles, 1.0 sack, 2 stuffs
2014 Stats (BUF): 15 games, 42 tackles, 5.5 sacks, INT, 3 passes defensed, 5 stuffs
2013 Stats (BUF): 16 games, 68 tackles, 10.5 sacks, fumble recovery, forced fumble, pass defensed, 8 stuffs
Career Stats (11 years, BUF): 151 games, 535 tackles, 40.5 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, 4 fumble recoveries, INT, 9 passes defensed, 63 stuffs
5 x Pro Bowler (2010, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2016)
2017 Prediction: 14 games, 53 tackles, 7.5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, 2 passes defensed, 11 stuffs
Recent Quote (from Buffalo News)
"Williams is back for a 12th season at tackle. In addition to the impact he can still make on the field — and that should be enhanced by being in a scheme that should take better advantage of his skills — he’s also one of the foremost leaders of the group and of the entire defense.That’s especially good news for Dareus, who has long relied on Williams’ guidance and views him as a big brother."
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How do you see Kyle Williams performing this season? Leave your predictions below!