Scooby Williams, a senior linebacker from Texas A&M University, has officially declared for the 2026 NFL Draft. His decision follows a challenging 2025 season in which he missed significant time due to injury. Williams joins fellow Aggie seniors, including running back EJ Smith and defensive tackle Albert Regis, who also announced their draft intentions within the past 48 hours.
Originally recruited to Texas A&M by former defensive coordinator and linebackers coach Jay Bateman, Williams transferred from the Florida Gators after a productive collegiate career. During the 2023 season, he recorded 52 tackles, one sack, and two forced fumbles, demonstrating his potential on the field. However, despite his talent, Williams faced challenges in his performance metrics, ending the 2025 season with a low defensive grade of 43 and a tackling grade of 39.7, according to Pro Football Focus.
Improvement Despite Injuries
Under the guidance of Bateman and head coach Mike Elko, Williams made significant strides in his development. The Alabama native played through injury during the 2024 season, contributing 43 tackles, four pass breakups, and his first career interception. This improvement in his game was evident in his performance during the 2025 season, where he achieved an impressive pass rush grade of 87.3 and a solid overall defensive grade of 78.9, despite recording only 19 tackles.
Standing at 6 feet 2 inches and weighing 230 pounds, Williams’ absence during the latter half of the 2025 season had a noticeable impact on Texas A&M’s run defense. While he had the option to return for an additional year, his recent performance trends have bolstered his draft prospects. NFL teams are likely to view his development as a promising opportunity to refine his skill set further.
As Texas A&M prepares for the upcoming season, the linebacker rotation is expected to feature one or two additions from the transfer portal. With Williams’ departure, the team will be looking to fill the void left by his injury and draft declaration, aiming to strengthen their defensive lineup.
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