The Philadelphia Eagles have officially added offensive tackle Cameron Williams to their roster, signing him to a four-year rookie contract this week. Once regarded as a potential first-round pick, Williams’ unexpected fall to the sixth round brought both surprise and opportunity, as the Eagles look to groom him as a future successor to veteran Lane Johnson.
Williams Emerges as a High-Value Late-Round Draft Pick for Eagles
During the 2025 NFL Draft, the Eagles continued their strong draft performance by selecting linebacker Jihaad Campbell at No. 31 and safety Andrew Mukuba in the second round. However, the selection of Cameron Williams in the sixth round may prove to be their biggest hidden gem. Draft analyst Travis May from A to Z Sports described Williams as the “absolute steal” of the draft for Philadelphia.
Williams’ draft journey was marked by fluctuating evaluations. Early on, he was seen as a top-tier prospect, projected as a first-round pick and potentially one of the top five offensive tackles available. Some experts even ranked him as high as the 13th overall player in the draft, with predictions ranging from late first round to early second round. Despite these lofty assessments, Williams slipped significantly in the rankings.
Factors Behind Williams’ Drop to Sixth Round
Selected 207th overall, Williams was the Eagles’ third offensive lineman chosen in this year’s draft. General manager Howie Roseman, known for uncovering value in later rounds, viewed Williams as a promising developmental project. According to consensus boards, Williams was generally ranked around No. 92, with outlets like NFL.com and The Athletic grading him as a fourth-round prospect.
Several factors contributed to Williams’ steep draft slide. His limited starting experience was a major concern; after minimal playtime early in college, Williams started only 15 games at right tackle during his junior year. Scouts also flagged inconsistencies in his technique, particularly his footwork and pad level, which affected his performance. Pro Football Focus data showed Williams was penalized 16 times in 15 games—the second-highest among FBS offensive linemen—with six holding penalties and multiple false starts.
While Williams demonstrated physical dominance against many opponents, he struggled when facing elite pass rushers, allowing four of his five sacks in games against powerhouse teams Georgia and Ohio State. A knee injury sustained in the College Football Playoffs against Clemson further damaged his draft outlook. Because of the injury, Williams missed the combine and was unable to participate fully in the Texas Pro Day, limiting teams’ chances to assess any improvements in his techniques ahead of the draft. At his pro day, Williams admitted he was still at 80 percent health months after the college season ended.
Williams Prepares for a Key Role as Lane Johnson’s Successor
Despite the concerns surrounding his draft stock, Williams joins the Eagles’ roster in an ideal environment for growth. At 35 years old, Lane Johnson’s career is approaching its final stages, and the team is eager to develop a capable replacement. Williams has already started working with offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland during rookie minicamp, focusing on right tackle duties and positioning himself as Johnson’s eventual successor.
For Howie Roseman and the Eagles, Williams represents a strategic gamble that could pay significant dividends, providing stability on the offensive line for years to come. His physical traits and potential upside give the team a promising option to build around while Johnson remains active.
As the Eagles continue to strengthen their roster following another solid draft class, Williams’ signing highlights the team’s confidence in their scouting and development process. The coming months will be critical for Williams to refine his skills and prove he can handle the responsibility that comes with being a potential cornerstone on Philadelphia’s offensive line.