Center Edwin Williams was the lone Terp invited to February’s NFL Combine who was not selected in this weekend’s NFL Draft. Williams was quickly picked up by the Washington Redskins, where he will be joined by former linemate and fellow undrafted free agent Scott Burley. The always affable Williams got a signing bonus as a “priority” free agent and will compete for a spot on a Redskin line that already includes former Terp Stephon Heyer. The Terrapin Trail caught up with Williams this afternoon:
Terrapin Trail: Was it the plan all along to hook on with the Redskins if you didn’t get drafted, or was that just the best opportunity you saw?
Edwin Williams: “Most likely yeah, but to be honest, I was getting a lot of phone calls at that moment, and I think the Redskins were like the best team that stepped up. They were the team that was willing to put up the best offer and the best situation for me, personally.”
TT: Was staying close to home a big deciding factor in that?
EW: “No, man. It didn’t matter. I just wanted to be put in the best situation where I had the best chance to use my ability. It’s not about location. But location is a factor now. It’s a great deal now. I live with my father now, so I’m really close to the training facility. Everything’s working out really well. I’m excited for the upcoming weeks.”
TT: Talk about that team. They drafted Kevin [Barnes] and now add you and Scott to Stephon Heyer whose already there, it’s going to be like a Maryland reunion.
EW: “No doubt about it. I’m excited. I keep in touch with all those guys anyways. But it’ll be nice to see some familiar faces, so I don’t feel too alone out there. I’m just excited. I want to get this process started and get things going.”
TT: What was yesterday like for you? How closely were you paying attention to the draft? Were you disappointed that you didn’t hear your name called?
EW: “To be honest, I really wasn’t. I’m not really somebody who likes to get that attention. That’s why I play offensive line. I peeked every once in a while. I started getting phone calls around the fourth round. A couple people kept updating me about what was going on, but it wasn’t really an intense moment for me. I knew in my heart that I’d definitely end up with some NFL team, and then toward the end I just got a ridiculous amount of phone calls.”
TT: Is it one of those situations where it’s almost better to be able to pick your team and your situation?
EW: “I think it is. It definitely has positive aspects. You can decide what’s the best situation where you have the best chance to make a team. It was a great time, and I’m glad I found the Redskins. We got [rookie mini] camp on Thursday, and I’m ready to go.”
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