Philadelphia Eagles snagged an absolute steal from Texas in the NFL Draft who could surprise fans as a long term starter

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Travis May | Last updated May 11, 2025 11:21 AM ET

The Texas Longhorns sent a stacked class of prospects to the 2025 NFL Draft and Philadelphia Eagles general manager Howie Roseman couldn't help but select two of them. Andrew Mukuba the safety at the end of round two. Cameron Williams at offensive tackle, way late in round six.

While Mukuba is the more obvious choice to earn significant snaps rather early given his versatility to plug into a variety of defensive back roles, Cameron Williams looks like an absolute steal at offensive tackle in the sixth round coming off an already impressive Eagles rookie minicamp.

Cameron Williams, Offensive Tackle Texas

For much of the NFL Draft process it was thought that Cameron Williams would be a day two selection as he ranked inside the top 100 prospects on the consensus board all spring long. In fact, when asked about where he thought he would be drafted, Williams assumed he would be a second or third round pick for sure.

However, in true Howie Roseman fashion, the Eagles stole Williams late in the draft after the rest of the league seemingly forgot to draft him. Williams showed up to rookie minicamp and was immediately working in at right tackle–a clear potential long term starter replacement for Lane Johnson in the coming years.

#EAGLES sixth round pick, Texas OL Cameron Williams is practicing at right tackle: pic.twitter.com/his8Pk0dgl
— Quay L.Jones #FlyEaglesFly SBLIX CHAMPIONS!! (@QuayLJones3) May 2, 2025

It's still quite early, but Cameron Williams possesses all the physical traits necessary to succeed at the NFL level. At 6'6", 317 pounds with hands measuring in over 11 inches and arms almost 35 inches apiece Williams is a monster of a man. How on earth did he drop to the sixth round?

The short answer? Inexperience and footwork issues. Cameron Williams only started one full season for the Texas Longhorns just last year. It was a great year overall, but a bit imperfect against the best of the best. Williams dominated most every single opponent all year long with the exception of Georgia and Ohio State where he faced nothing but future NFL stars off the edge. In those three games (Georgia twice, Ohio State once) in particular Williams' raw abilities were tested.

Williams is massive, with long arms, so against most opponents he simply has to kick out a couple steps and he's able to corral the vast majority of edge rushers just on traits alone. Against more developed pass rushers who offered decent counter moves his lack of agility and footwork was exposed a bit. He allowed four of his five sacks on the season against Georgia and Ohio State, which apparently was enough to leave some teams second-guessing him.

Could Williams have stayed an extra year at Texas and likely benefitted from another season of development? Absolutely. Is he the least experienced offensive tackle in the entire 2025 NFL Draft class? Yes, he is. However, that didn't stop Howie Roseman from seeing the obvious physical upside and ridiculous tools, ultimately taking a shot on him.

Lane Johnson is 35 years old now. Kendall Lamm (new signing) is 33 and on a one-year deal. If Cameron Williams can develop and learn from one of the best offensive tackles to ever play the game in Johnson there's a real path to him becoming a surprise long term starter. If he grows into a strong right tackle while still on his rookie contract Williams may end up being a ridiculous value in the near future.

We'll be back with more Texas Longhorns and Philadelphia Eagles coverage here at A to Z Sports soon! Follow me (@FF_TravisM) and A to Z Sports (@AtoZSportsNFL) on X for all the latest football news!

And if you want to see why Cameron Williams could be the surprising future at right tackle for the Philadelphia Eagles just check out his highlights with the Texas Longhorns in the video below!