Wesley Williams made the most of his moment under the lights at the East-West Shrine Bowl, delivering a performance that turned heads and likely boosted his draft stock. The former Duke defensive lineman was one of the most disruptive players on the field Tuesday night, showcasing the kind of versatility and motor that NFL scouts love to see in a late-stage evaluation setting.
Playing for the West team in the 101st edition of the all-star showcase at The Star in Frisco, Texas, Williams didn’t just flash-he imposed himself. From the first quarter to the final whistle, he was a consistent presence in the backfield, capping off his night with a strip sack in the end zone that led to a touchdown. That game-changing play was recovered by none other than his former Duke teammate Aaron Hall, adding a nice Blue Devil twist to a big-time moment.
But Williams' impact went far beyond that highlight. According to draft analyst Chad Reuter, Williams showed he’s more than just a pass-rush specialist. Early in the game, he shot off the snap to record a tackle for loss, and later in the second quarter, he blew up another run play with a quick burst into the backfield-both plays reinforcing his ability to affect the game on early downs, not just on third-and-long.
And it wasn’t just the splash plays. On the final snap of the first quarter, Williams chased down a screen pass from the opposite side of the field, a hustle rep that doesn’t always show up in the box score but absolutely stands out on film. It’s the kind of effort that evaluators notice-because it speaks to a player’s motor, conditioning, and willingness to do the dirty work.
That blend of effort and production has been a hallmark of Williams’ career. A three-year letterman at Duke, he earned Honorable Mention All-ACC honors in both 2024 and 2025, served as a team captain in his final season, and was recognized for his work in the classroom with Academic All-ACC honors in 2024. Over 41 career games (29 starts), he racked up 131 tackles, 29 tackles for loss, 11 sacks, 28 quarterback pressures, and five blocked kicks-numbers that speak to both his consistency and his ability to impact games in multiple ways.
His 2024 campaign was a breakout year statistically: 48 tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks, two blocked kicks, a safety, and a forced fumble. That sack total placed him among Duke’s single-season leaders, and his special teams production-particularly the blocked kicks-put him on the national radar. In 2025, as a senior captain, he started all 14 games, tallied 44 tackles, 9.0 TFLs, 16 pressures, and a fumble recovery en route to being named the team’s defensive MVP.
Williams' path from Battlefield High School in Virginia to the Shrine Bowl spotlight has been built on steady development and relentless effort. Even in high school, he was a force-105 tackles, 32 tackles for loss, and 13.5 sacks as a senior. That same edge has carried through every level of his game.
Tuesday night’s performance was just the latest example of what Williams brings to the table: strength, speed, versatility, and a motor that doesn’t quit. In a game full of future pros trying to make their mark, he stood out-and that’s exactly what you want to see in a pre-draft showcase.