Minnesota Gopher Lands on Mel Kiper’s Top 25 Big Board

Maxx Williams is the first Golden Gopher to receive this recognition since Antoine Winfield in 1998

ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. released his first Top 25 Big Board of the 2023 NFL Draft on Tuesday, and Minnesota Gophers tight end Maxx Williams was ranked No. 24 overall. Williams is the first Golden Gopher to receive this recognition since Antoine Winfield in 1998.

Williams is a 6-foot-4, 249-pound tight end who has been one of the most productive pass-catchers in the Big Ten Conference over the past two seasons.

In 2021, he caught 25 passes for 295 yards and three touchdowns. He followed that up with a breakout season in 2022, catching 53 passes for 592 yards and six touchdowns. Williams is a versatile tight end who can line up inline, in the slot, or even out wide. He is a good blocker and has the speed to get down the seam and make big plays in the passing game.

NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein had this to say about Williams in his scouting report: “He has the size and athleticism to be a matchup problem at the next level. He has long arms, strong hands, and the ability to high-point the football. He is also a willing and able blocker in the running game.”

Williams is projected to be a first-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. He is one of the best tight ends in the country and has the potential to be a star at the next level.

Here are some of Williams’ highlights from the 2022 season:

• Caught a 25-yard touchdown pass in the Gophers’ season-opening win over New Mexico State.
• Had a career-high nine catches for 109 yards and a touchdown in a win over Purdue.
• Caught a touchdown pass in each of the Gophers’ final three games of the season.

Williams is a talented player who has the potential to be a star in the NFL. He is a versatile tight end who can make plays in the passing and running games. He is also a good blocker and has the size and athleticism to be a matchup problem for opposing defenses.