Denver Broncos undrafted rookie free agent Kristian Williams has a tough battle ahead to make the final 53-man roster.
The Denver Broncos brought in a pair of Mizzou Tigers as undrafted rookie free agents to compete for roster spots this summer. The first was EDGE rusher Johnny Walker Jr. The second was defensive lineman Kristian Williams.
After spending his first three years primarily as a reserve player for the Oregon Ducks, Williams transferred to Mizzou in 2022 and immediately found himself in the starting lineup. Over the next several seasons, he would become a key fixture in the Tigers’ defensive line.
This past season, Williams started all 13 games and played 555 defensive snaps. He registered 30 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, a sack, forced fumble, and four quarterback pressures. In six years of collegiate play, he appeared in 63 games with 39 starts and amassed 107 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, three forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery.
Williams has a lot of experience under his belt, but will that be enough to earn a spot on the Broncos’ 53-man roster? Let’s discuss!
LISTEN: Kristian Williams may not have started at #Mizzou, but he sure was glad to finish his college career in black and gold. @KOMUsports @BenArnetKOMU pic.twitter.com/UOFEQdDvMV
— Wyatt Nun (@WyattNun) December 31, 2024
Player Profile
Age: 24 | Experience: Rookie | College: Mizzou | Height: 6’1-5/8” | Weight: 296 pounds
Arm Length: 32” | Hand Size: 10-1/8” | Broad: 9’1” | Vertical: 27-1/2” | Bench Press: 31 reps
Short Shuttle: 4.75 seconds | 40-yard dash: 5.07 seconds
Kristian Williams’ 2025 outlook with the Broncos
Undrafted players always have a hard time making the final roster, but Williams’ path to the final 53 may be harder than most. Long story short, the Broncos are loaded on the defensive front.
Williams primarily played defensive tackle throughout his collegiate career. He’ll be an interior developmental player for Vance Joseph’s defense. His primary calling card is strength at the point of attack, which should bode well for him during his NFL journey. That’s often an issue for lineman coming into the league, but it’s one of his best attributes.
In the handful of games I watched, he was a quality defender against the run. Moreover, I felt he did a good job taking on double teams that allowed opportunities for teammates (like Walker Jr.) around him to make the splash plays. I thought he really flashed against Oklahoma and did a good job helping shut down the Sooners’ rushing attack.
While he’s a player that will help in run defense, his pass rushing ability and production are underwhelming. It’s safe to say he won’t be a difference maker in that respect. With that in mind, it’s hard to make a case that he has a good shot at making the team’s final 53-man roster.
Final Thoughts
The Broncos’ defensive line was one of their strongest performing units last year. They are bringing back their core four defensive lineman from their 2024 season in Zach Allen, John Franklin-Myers, D.J. Jones, and Malcom Roach who accounted for the most snaps defensively in the trenches.
Not only that, but they also moved up to select LSU standout Sai’vion Jones in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft. That gives them an impactful five-man rotation for the upcoming 2025 season. Additionally, Eyioma Uwazurike and Jordan Jackson, who both made the final roster in 2024 will be in the mix for the sixth and final spot allocated to the defensive line.
All things considered, it would be quite the surprise to see Williams make the final roster. Overall, it seems far more likely for him to be a developmental candidate for the practice squad, who could work his way into the backend of the rotation down the road.