Former Minnesota Gophers tight end Maxx Williams became a second round draft pick.
The Baltimore Ravens selected Williams with the 55th overall pick Friday evening. The Ravens traded up with the Arizona Cardinals to make sure they were able to select Williams, who has drawn comparisons to a former Ravens tight end.
#BALPick Minnesota TE Maxx Williams. Heard Todd Heap comparisons when talking with people around the league. Also Jason Witten mentioned.
— Chris Mortensen (@mortreport) May 2, 2015
Williams, the former Waconia High School standout, led the Gophers with 36 receptions for 569 yards and eight touchdowns. He was a finalist for the Mackey Award and was an All-American.
Hey @ravens fans you can follow your new TE at @williams_maxx #Gophers pic.twitter.com/WeyMoe7L3M
— Minnesota Football (@GopherFootball) May 2, 2015
In the NFL, Williams is viewed as a pass catching tight end, who could do damage down the field and in the red zone. In college, 82 percent of his catches went for a first down or touchdown. Williams’ family and friends were excited when he was selected.
That moment when you get drafted to the @Ravens. Congrats @williams_maxx! pic.twitter.com/EcaVjiGeaP
— Peter Mortell (@PMortell1) May 2, 2015
Gophers coach Jerry Kill was also excited to hear the news. Kill says Williams will keep battling to get better.
#Gophers Coach Jerry Kill on @williams_maxx being drafted by the @Ravens. pic.twitter.com/adg3BlY79Z
— Minnesota Football (@GopherFootball) May 2, 2015
The Star Tribune notes Williams’ family tradition with the NFL Draft. His paternal grandfather, Dr. Bob Williams, played quarterback at Notre Dame and was drafted by the Bears in 1959. Maxx’s father Brian, was a first-round pick for the Giants in 1989 and played 11 seasons in New York.
Maxx Williams was the first Gopher chosen in this year’s draft. Former U of M running back David Cobb is projected to go on the third day, while both linebacker Damien Wilson and safety Cedric Thompson could be late round picks.
