ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. released the first edition of his yearly "Big Board" Thursday morning. Kiper's "Big Board" is his periodically updated list of the order in which he thinks college players should be drafted. Kiper's 2017 board was released Thursday and there is a pretty surprising name at number one.
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Alabama linebacker Tim Williams.
From Kiper's article,
"Outside of quarterback, there is no greater premium position in the modern NFL than a premium pass-rusher, and Williams can be simply unblockable. He had 10.5 sacks even though he played only about 20 percent of defensive snaps. And that's just the challenge: Does he play the run well, and will he be dominant when he stays on the field more? If not, he'll drop."
Wow. Mel Kiper's Preseason 2017 Big Board has Tim Williams at No. 1.
— BamaCentral (@BamaCentral) September 1, 2016
Tide fans have seen the potential that Williams brings to the table, but if he materializes into a number one pick type talent the Tide defense might be its best yet.
