Minnesota-Duluth offensive lineman Aiden Williams is among the most intriguing small-school blockers in the 2025 NFL Draft. A multi-year starter, Williams recently shined at this year's East-West Shrine Bowl. The Anchorage, Alaska native seized that opportunity to prove he belongs on the biggest stages.
Williams recently spoke exclusively with The Draft Network. Williams discussed his experience at the collegiate all-star event, playing multiple positions, which teams have shown interest in his services to date, and more.
JM: You recently attended this year's East-West Shrine Bowl. What was your experience like out there?
Aiden Williams: It was an awesome experience. Coming from a Division II program, a smaller school, it gave me a chance to showcase my skills and talents against guys from the SEC and Big Ten.
I was able to reassure myself that I definitely belong alongside the best prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft.
JM: What do you think you proved to scouts in attendance?
Aiden Williams: I think I proved I'm one of the best offensive guards in the nation. Again, coming from a smaller school, I think I really proved myself at the East-West Shrine Bowl. I definitely showcased my talents for the scouts.
JM: It sounds like you went in with a chip on your shoulder, looking to prove you belonged against bigger-school competition, as a prospect coming out of Minnesota-Duluth.
Aiden Williams: Yeah, I definitely went in with that mindset. I had a huge chip on my shoulder. I had nothing to lose. I just wanted to go out there, do my best, and try my hardest to win as many reps as I could. I wanted to put forth a good performance.
JM: You did exactly that. You probably met with a lot of teams at East-West Shrine. That's standard practice. Which of those meetings stood out to you? Any teams show particular interest?
Aiden Williams: I met with all 32 teams at the Shrine Bowl. There were a few teams who sent scouts to the event that I had previously met with at Minnesota-Duluth. They came to watch a few practices.
I saw a few familiar faces. I think every team took a big interest in me. There were a handful of teams I had met with previously at UMD, ones I really got talking to like the Eagles, Steelers, and Saints, just to name a few. There were a lot of teams showing interest.
It was definitely a cool experience to have the scouts get to know me and my story, where I come from. I was excited to tell them my story.
You don't see many D-II or D-II guys make it this far during the pre-draft process. It's been a cool feeling and a cool experience.
JM: You've played some tackle and some guard. Teams love that positional flexibility. Where do they see you playing and fitting at the next level based on the feedback you've received? You called yourself a guard earlier.
Aiden Williams: I'm definitely a guard and center at the next level. I'm an interior offensive lineman. I've been working on making the transition. I primarily played left tackle at UMD.
I was jumping from left guard to right guard at the Shrine Bowl. I didn't take any live center reps, but I've been training to play center as well throughout this pre-draft process.
Being an interior guy, but pairing that with my previous experience at tackle, I can essentially play all five offensive line positions.
JM: That versatility is going to serve you well. Is Aiden Williams a phone-booth blocker, or athletic in space? How would you describe your traits and identity as an offensive lineman?
Aiden Williams: That's a good question. I'd probably say having been a three-year starter at tackle at UMD, I'm more of an athlete in space. During the Shrine Bowl though, I noticed how well I was doing fighting in a phone booth at guard and center. If I had to truly pick one of those identities, I'd probably go with the phone booth. That's what the future holds for me.
JM: You're adapting. What was your favorite play to run in the playbook and why? Something you get excited about in the huddle?
Aiden Williams: I'd say duo. I think a lot of offensive line coaches know we love running duo. It's a smashmouth, hit you right in the mouth type of play.
You pretty much like it up and say I'm going to move the defensive lineman five yards off the line of scrimmage. Duo is a “you can't do anything about it” type of play.
Our position coach at UMD, we called it a bucket of blood play. When we ran duo at practice or during a game, everyone in the huddle knew it was a bucket of blood, meaning it's go time.
We're going to hit these guys in the mouth and there's nothing they can do about it.
JM: That's an outstanding answer to end on. We've appreciated your time today. This has been one helluva conversation. In closing, what kinda guy is Aiden Williams going to be at the next level?
Aiden Williams: You're getting an open person first and foremost. They're getting a coachable player. I'm a high-effort guy. I have a great attitude.
You're getting a dog up front. I don't back down. I'm ready to fight for everything I want. I'm going to get it.
