The Minnesota Vikings officially announced Monday the signing of defensive lineman Elijah Williams, a standout from Morgan State University, after he impressed coaches during the team’s rookie minicamp.
Williams, a 6-foot-3, 285-pound defensive tackle from Jersey City, New Jersey, earned his contract through relentless effort and an outstanding collegiate career.
At Morgan State, Williams was a dominant force on the defensive front, finishing as the school’s all-time leader in sacks (31) and tackles for loss (52) over 42 games from 2021 to 2024.
His senior season was especially remarkable, earning him the 2024 MEAC Defensive Player of the Year award, AFCA FCS Coaches’ All-American honors, and a finalist spot for the prestigious Buck Buchanan Award, which recognizes the nation’s top FCS defensive player.
Williams also garnered accolades as a BOXTOROW HBCU All-American and Stats Perform FCS All-American, underscoring his elite status at the FCS level.
The #Vikings have signed OLB Matt Harmon and DL Elijah Williams. pic.twitter.com/v9fm1yiKWD
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) May 12, 2025
During his final collegiate season, Williams recorded career highs with 11 sacks and 15 tackles for loss, showcasing a relentless pass rush and disruptive presence that gave offensive linemen major problems.
His performance at the HBCU Legacy Bowl and NFL pre-draft events further solidified his reputation as one of the top small-school defensive prospects.
The Vikings’ decision to sign Williams reflects their confidence in his athleticism and skill set, despite being slightly undersized for the defensive tackle position by NFL standards.
Williams joins the Vikings’ 90-man offseason roster and will compete for a spot on the final 53-man roster or practice squad as the team looks to bolster its defensive line depth.
Williams expressed gratitude for the opportunity, stating, “I’m ready to work hard and prove I belong at this level. Coming from Morgan State, I want to show that HBCU players can compete and excel in the NFL.”
