The Minnesota Vikings formally introduced Monday the signing of defensive lineman Elijah Williams, a standout from Morgan State College, after he impressed coaches in the course of the staff’s rookie minicamp.
Williams, a 6-foot-3, 285-pound defensive deal with from Jersey Metropolis, New Jersey, earned his contract via relentless effort and an impressive collegiate profession.
At Morgan State, Williams was a dominant pressure on the defensive entrance, ending as the varsity’s all-time chief in sacks (31) and tackles for loss (52) over 42 video games from 2021 to 2024.
His senior season was particularly outstanding, incomes him the 2024 MEAC Defensive Participant of the 12 months award, AFCA FCS Coaches’ All-American honors, and a finalist spot for the distinguished Buck Buchanan Award, which acknowledges the nation’s prime FCS defensive participant.
Williams additionally garnered accolades as a BOXTOROW HBCU All-American and Stats Carry out FCS All-American, underscoring his elite standing on the FCS stage.
The #Vikings have signed OLB Matt Harmon and DL Elijah Williams. pic.twitter.com/v9fm1yiKWD
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) Could 12, 2025
Throughout his remaining collegiate season, Williams recorded profession highs with 11 sacks and 15 tackles for loss, showcasing a relentless cross rush and disruptive presence that gave offensive linemen main issues.
His efficiency on the HBCU Legacy Bowl and NFL pre-draft occasions additional solidified his fame as one of many prime small-school defensive prospects.
The Vikings’ determination to signal Williams displays their confidence in his athleticism and ability set, regardless of being barely undersized for the defensive deal with place by NFL requirements.
Williams joins the Vikings’ 90-man offseason roster and can compete for a spot on the ultimate 53-man roster or observe squad because the staff appears to bolster its defensive position depth.
Williams expressed gratitude for the chance, stating, “I’m able to work arduous and show I belong at this stage. Coming from Morgan State, I need to present that HBCU gamers can compete and excel within the NFL.”
