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Cowboys draft Western Illinois OLB Jason Williams

Posted on April 26, 2009

Jason Williams didn’t get an invitation to the combine, but his stock soared after he participated in Western Illinois’ pro day. He’s 6-1, 241 pounds and ran the 40 in 4.44 and 4.49 seconds.

NFL Draft Scout compares the stocky Williams, who played some strong safety in college but projects as a pass rusher, to the reigning Defensive Player of the Year.

JAMES HARRISON, Pittsburgh — This is high praise for an unknown player, but the more film scouts watch on Williams, the more they will notice he has the “it” factor. With patient coaching and in the right system, he could turn into one of the better finds in this draft. He plays with excellent field vision and awareness. Williams demonstrates the instincts to quickly track down the ball. He has the change-of-direction agility and lateral movement to string plays wide and hits ballcarriers with force, driving with his legs to push the opponent back through the rush lane.

He was No. 84 on Goose’s top 100. We’ll have more from Williams after a conference call in a few minutes.

Cowboys grab two in the third round, Aggies QB McGee in the fourth

IRVING — And on Day 2 of the 2009 NFL Draft, the Cowboys finally make their first pick, choosing Western Illinois linebacker Jason Williams.

Following Williams, they chose Ball State offensive lineman Robert Brewster (6-foot-4, 325 pounds). He played tackle in college but projects to be a guard in the NFL. In the fourth round, the Cowboys snagged Texas A&M quarterback Stephen McGee. He is the first quarterback drafted by the Cowboys since Quincy Carter in 2001 and just the second since 1991.

The Cowboys have now added two quarterbacks this offseason. They traded for Jon Kitna to be Tony Romo’s primary backup and now have young guy to groom for the future.

Give the Cowboys credit for doing their homework on the guys have picked. All three picks came to the team’s Valley Ranch headquarters for predraft visits.

Williams shores up a thin linebacker position in Dallas and should provide immediate depth as well as help on special teams. (Source: here)

Categories: Football

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