Minnesota Vikings rookie Alexander Williams was brought in as a developmental prospect due to his sheer size.
Listed at 6-foot-7, 291 pounds, Williams is a massive defensive line prospect who went undrafted due to struggling with injury at Ohio State, Vanderbilt and Middle Tennessee. His size and body composition were key traits the Vikings wanted to explore early in training camp.
However, on July 31, the Vikings released Williams with an injury designation, prompting a pivot to sign former Detroit Lions offensive tackle Matt Nelson. According to Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston, Williams cleared waivers and was placed on the Vikings’ injured reserve list.
Nelson, 29, went undrafted in 2019 but developed into a contributor with the Lions. He played in 43 games for the Lions from 2020 to 2023 and made 11 of his 14 starts during the 2021 season.
At 6-foot-8, 295 pounds, Nelson was primarily a right tackle and would come in as a sixth lineman in heavy personnel packages after the team drafted All-Pro Penei Sewell.
Given his size and athleticism, Williams said the Vikings identified him as a versatile talent on the defensive line and had hopes for him to line up at all seven spots on the line.
It remains to be seen if he will rehab with the team this season or receive an injury settlement and be released.
Alexander Williams’ Athleticism on Display After Winding Collegiate Career
A sixth-year senior coming out of college this year, Williams had a winding road to the Vikings that saw him transfer twice and also take a step away from the game to focus on his education.
After transferring from Ohio State at 19 years old for a shorter path to playing time, Williams’ time at Vanderbilt did not go according to plan, leading him to take a step back from the game.
In an interview with Columbus affiliate FOX28, Williams said that he worked “junk removal” and other labor work, living a “normal student” life for a few years, but continued to train for his next opportunity.
“Some days I was working from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. and find a way to go train after it was just the norm for me,” he said.
In 2024, Williams got a call from Middle Tennessee coach Derek Mason, who called him up to practice. Four padded practices later, Williams was playing in his first game for the Blue Raiders. Williams started in four of six games before suffering a season-ending injury.
Despite the turbulence of his college career, there was enough tape for Williams to get a shot at the NFL. The Fox28 segment features videos showcasing his strength and athleticism, balancing barbells with weights with one hand in the air with ease.
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Vikings Preseason Game 1 Ahead
As the 90-man training camp roster continues to see change, the Vikings are preparing for their first test — Game 1 of the preseason against the Houston Texans on August 9.
That Saturday game will be the first test for many of the back-of-the-roster players who are looking to make an impression.
Then, the Vikings host the New England Patriots for joint practices the following week. Kevin O’Connell has emphasized the importance of joint practices, which will be the most meaningful portion of the preseason.
Minnesota will later play the Patriots on Saturday, August 16, and close the preseason schedule with a road game against the Tennessee Titans on August 22.
