As analysts around the country turn their attention towards the 2027 NFL draft, which is widely expected to be a historically talented crop of players headed to the next level, the Washington Huskies should have several members of the 2026 roster involved in that process.
One person who will have the opportunity to return to school, but has also displayed the necessary talent to succeed at the next level, is quarterback Demond Williams Jr., who would have to compete with a talented crop of quarterbacks like Texas’ Arch Manning, Oregon’s Dante Moore, USC’s Jayden Maiava, Oklahoma State’s Drew Mestemaker, and many others if he chose to forgo his remaining eligibility and enter the draft.
While there are still questions about Williams’ game, including his size and ability to show up in the big moments, he’s drawing some positive early reviews from NFL scouts, including ESPN’s Jordan Reid.
#Washington QB Demond Williams Jr. 5’11, 195.
Sound arm strength + solid touch & ball placement when needed. Dynamic athlete w/ excellent improv ability + adds to designed power/read run game. Improved pocket comfortabilty throughout the season.
31 total touchdowns in 2025. pic.twitter.com/8eEJ4Q6CKn
— Kyron Samuels (@kyronsamuels) June 11, 2026
“An electric but undersized passer at 5-11 and 190 pounds, Williams can slice and dice defenses in multiple ways,” Reid wrote in an early evaluation of the nation’s top quarterbacks eligible for the 2027 draft.
“He finished with 3,065 passing yards, 25 touchdowns, and 8 interceptions in his first season as a starter. His quickness helps him slither through defenses outside of structure and presents headaches for opponents when he runs. Williams is an exciting college player, but there are major question marks about his transition to the next level given his size.”
If Williams can take the next step forward in his second full season as a starter for coach Jedd Fisch, he should have an opportunity to rise up draft boards throughout the 2026 season as he looks to help the Huskies improve on their 9-4 record from the 2025 campaign.
This article originally appeared on Huskies Wire: Demond Williams Jr. drawing early praise from NFL draft scouts
