Minnesota Vikings nose tackle Pat Williams has made it clear he’s retiring should his team win the Super Bowl. Even if the Vikings fall short, there’s a good chance this is the 37-year-old’s last season.

As the Vikings enjoy a week off after earning a first-round bye, there’s a good chance several front office personnel will be paying close attention to tonight’s BCS National Championship game between Alabama and Texas, and more specifically, Terrence Cody, the 6-5, 354-pound nose tackle for the Crimson Tide.

Cody measures favorably to Williams. He’s a space-eater with great feet who also shows great lateral movement facing the run. One of the reasons Alabama linebacker Rolando McClain has flourished this season is because Cody requires a double-team on nearly every down. This is much the same role Williams has played in the Vikings’ prolific run defense over his tenure; the added focus on Williams has allowed linebackers E.J. Henderson, Chad Greenway and Ben Leber to stay free and fill gaps.

The big question is will Cody be available late in the first round of the 2010 NFL Draft? The Vikings’ draft needs include a cornerback, a safety and offensive linemen. Williams may be back for another season, but Cody is the best nose tackle available this year and could make a Williams retirement go unnoticed.

(Picture Source)



1 Comment

Comparing Cody to Williams is certainly valid in their ability to eat space and massive size, but Cody is most likely going to play on the nose at the next level after excelling in the 3-4 at Alabama. Williams has been in a 4-3 system his entire career.

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