Dan Williams (defensive tackle)

Daniel Ellis "Dan" Williams (born June 1, 1987) is an American football nose tackle for the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Cardinals in the first round of the 2010 NFL Draft. He played college football at Tennessee.

Early years
Williams attended Memphis East High School in Memphis, Tennessee. As a senior he had 132 tackles, five sacks, four forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.

Regarded as a three-star recruit by Rivals.com, Williams was ranked as the No. 35 defensive tackle in a class highlighted by DeMarcus Granger and Callahan Bright, and that also included Ndamukong Suh and Tyson Alualu.

College career
Williams attended the University of Tennessee from 2005 to 2009. As a senior he was a second team All-SEC selection by the league's coaches after recording 62 tackles and two sacks. He finished his career with 153 tackles and six sacks.

Professional career
After a "tremendous" senior season, Williams was project a first-round selection by Sports Illustrated. He was ranked the third best defensive tackle available in the 2010 NFL Draft, behind only Ndamukong Suh and Gerald McCoy. He was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals 26th overall in the 2010 NFL Draft.