Nick Williams

Scouts identified Texas high school outfielders Courtney Hawkins and Williams as potential 2012 first-round picks when both were sophomores. While Hawkins has lived up to that billing and likely will go in the middle of the first round, Williams has become the biggest enigma in the state. The 6-foot-3, 195-pounder still has first-round tools but rarely demonstrates the aptitude to use them. A lefthanded hitter, he has impressive bat speed and raw strength, but he doesn't use his hands well and is too spread out at the plate. He swings and misses too much and gets fooled by good breaking balls. He has been clocked in 6.5 seconds in the 60-yard dash, yet he has posted below-average running times from home to first this spring. Williams lacks instincts in all phases of the game, taking such poor routes in center field that he may have to move to a corner. With his fringy arm strength, his final destination could be left field. Some scouts think Williams isn't ready to play pro ball and won't go high enough in the draft for teams to sign him away from his Texas A&M--he originally gave a verbal commitment to the University of Texas--unless the tools-happy Rangers decide to take a run.