Early Life & Background

William Sherman’s journey to the National Football League began in Allen, a suburb of Dallas, Texas, where he was born and raised. Allen is a community known for its competitive high school sports programs and strong athletic tradition, which likely played a role in shaping Sherman’s early development as an offensive lineman. Though public records do not provide extensive details about his upbringing, athletes from such environments often benefit from structured athletic programs, community support, and high school football systems that emphasize physical development and competitive play.

Sherman’s physical attributes—standing at 6’4” and weighing 300 pounds—suggest that he was identified early as a prototypical offensive lineman, a position that demands both size and athleticism. While specific family details remain unavailable, it is common for linemen from Texas high schools to have backgrounds in football programs with rigorous strength and conditioning regimens. The culture of high school football in Texas is deeply ingrained, often producing athletes who transition seamlessly into collegiate programs and, eventually, professional football.

High School Career

William Sherman attended Allen High School, a powerhouse in Texas high school football located in Collin County, just north of Dallas. Allen High is renowned for its competitive football program, which has produced numerous Division I college football players and several NFL athletes. The school competes at the highest classification in Texas high school athletics and has won multiple state championships in recent years, including titles in 2012 and 2017.

While specific statistics or accolades from Sherman’s high school career are not publicly available, the environment at Allen High School is one that demands excellence from its offensive linemen. Programs of this caliber require their linemen to be technically sound, physically dominant, and mentally prepared for the rigors of high-level competition. Offensive linemen from such backgrounds often develop advanced footwork, hand technique, and the ability to sustain blocks against elite defensive talent.

The competition level in Texas high school football is among the highest in the nation, with many players earning All-State honors and attracting the attention of college recruiters. Sherman’s time at Allen High likely equipped him with the fundamentals necessary to compete at the next level, including pass protection skills, run-blocking ability, and an understanding of offensive schemes that would later translate to collegiate and professional football.

College Career

College information not available in public records.

NFL Draft

William Sherman entered the 2021 NFL Draft as a highly undersized but technically skilled offensive tackle prospect. At 6’4” and approximately 300 pounds, he lacked the prototypical height and weight of an NFL offensive tackle, which typically ranges closer to 6’5” or taller and weighs between 310-330 pounds. However, Sherman’s draft stock was buoyed by his performance at the NFL Scouting Combine, where he posted impressive athletic numbers for a lineman, including a 4.95-second 40-yard dash, a 1.75-second 10-yard split, and a 29.5-inch vertical jump. These metrics indicated elite burst, quickness, and lower-body explosiveness—traits more commonly associated with offensive guards than tackles.

Drafted in the sixth round with the 197th overall pick by the New Orleans Saints, Sherman was viewed as a developmental prospect who could potentially transition from tackle to guard in the NFL. The Saints, known for their strong offensive line development under coaches like Sean Payton and later Jameis Winston, often prioritize athletic traits and upside in late-round draft picks. Sherman’s selection reflected the team’s willingness to take a chance on an undersized tackle with high-end movement skills, believing he could develop into a quality guard.

The draft process highlighted Sherman’s potential as a versatile offensive lineman. His combine performance suggested he could handle speed off the edge, an increasingly important trait in modern pass-heavy NFL offenses. Scouts noted his ability to mirror defenders and maintain balance in space, which are critical for tackles facing edge rushers. However, concerns about his overall size and strength in the trenches likely pushed him to the later rounds. Moving him inside to guard could mitigate some of these concerns, as the position requires less emphasis on sheer power against bull rushes and more on agility, lateral quickness, and the ability to reach linebackers in the run game.

Professional Career

As of the 2023 NFL season, William Sherman has not appeared in a regular-season game for the New Orleans Saints. His professional career remains in its early stages, having been drafted in 2021 and spending time on the Saints’ roster before being waived and re-signed to the practice squad. The lack of game appearances suggests that Sherman is still in the developmental phase of his NFL journey.

The Saints typically develop offensive linemen through a combination of practice squad work, rotational snaps in training camp, and, when necessary, emergency call-ups during the season. Sherman’s path is not uncommon for late-round draft picks who need to prove their readiness for NFL competition. His ability to contribute on special teams, particularly as a potential core or wedge blocker, could be a pathway to earning playing time.

One of the challenges Sherman faces is the competitive nature of the Saints’ offensive line unit. The team has invested in veteran linemen such as Ryan Ramczyk, Andrus Peat, and Cesar Ruiz, as well as younger players like Trevor Penning. For Sherman to earn a roster spot, he must demonstrate significant improvement in strength, technique, and consistency. The Saints’ coaching staff, led by offensive line coach Doug Marrone, is known for developing interior linemen, as evidenced by the careers of players like Larry Warford and Max Garcia.

Sherman’s lack of college experience adds a layer of complexity to his development. While he was drafted based on his combine and pro-day performances, transitioning from the unknown college level to the NFL’s physical and mental demands requires time and repetition. The Saints have shown patience with such projects in the past, but immediate contributions are rare for players drafted in the sixth or seventh rounds.

Playing Style & Strengths

William Sherman’s playing style is defined by his athleticism and explosiveness, traits that set him apart from more traditional, power-oriented offensive linemen. As an undersized tackle prospect, his greatest strengths lie in his lateral quickness, footwork, and ability to operate in space. These attributes are particularly valuable in pass protection, where he can slide and mirror edge rushers to prevent them from gaining an inside lane to the quarterback.

Sherman’s 4.95-second 40-yard dash and 1.75-second 10-yard split suggest he possesses rare quickness for a player of his size. This burst allows him to recover from initial contact and redirect his momentum, a critical skill in an era where defensive ends are increasingly athletic. His 29.5-inch vertical jump and 7.91-second three-cone drill time further underscore his athletic profile, indicating an ability to generate power in short areas and change direction fluidly.

One of Sherman’s standout traits is his ability to reach defenders in the run game. This skill is particularly valuable for an athletic tackle who may be asked to pull or climb to the second level against zone schemes. His agility allows him to get to linebackers quickly, a trait that could make him effective in a guard role where reach and flexibility are premium skills.

Defensively, Sherman’s primary strength is his containment in pass protection. He is not a mauler in the run game, but his lateral movement and recovery ability make him a difficult matchup for speed rushes. This versatility could allow him to earn snaps as a swing tackle or an extra interior lineman in certain formations.

However, Sherman’s playing style also comes with inherent risks. His lack of ideal height and weight for an NFL tackle means he can be overpowered by stronger defensive ends in the trenches. In the run game, his inability to anchor against bull rushes could limit his effectiveness. Additionally, his heavier reliance on athleticism over brute strength may make him vulnerable to power moves in pass protection. These limitations are likely why the Saints have entertained moving him inside to guard, where his quickness and agility are more suited to the position’s demands.

Strengths Recap:

- Elite athleticism and explosiveness
- Quick lateral movement and footwork
- Ability to mirror edge rushers in pass protection
- Effective in space and on the move in zone schemes
- Potential versatility as an interior or swing tackle

Personal Life

Little is known about William Sherman’s personal life, as he maintains a relatively low public profile. As a professional athlete, his off-field activities are typically focused on training, rehabilitation, and team commitments. Offensive linemen in the NFL often prioritize film study, strength training, and recovery regimens to maintain their physical edge, and Sherman’s routine likely follows a similar structure.

Given his Texas roots, it is plausible that Sherman has connections to local athletic communities and may participate in charitable initiatives within the New Orleans area. The Saints organization encourages players to engage with the community through outreach programs, youth football clinics, and charitable foundations. If Sherman chooses to become more publicly active, these avenues would provide natural opportunities for involvement.

Sherman’s social media presence is minimal, reflecting a common approach among offensive linemen who prefer to let their play on the field define their public image. This tendency toward privacy is often strategic, as it minimizes distractions and allows players to focus on their professional development. As he continues his NFL career, Sherman may gradually increase his public engagement, especially if he begins to carve out a more defined role on the Saints’ roster.

Legacy & Future Outlook

William Sherman’s legacy in the NFL remains unwritten, as he has yet to establish himself as a consistent contributor at the professional level. His future outlook hinges on his ability to develop into a reliable interior offensive lineman or a versatile swing tackle capable of stepping in during games. The Saints’ investment in him as a sixth-round pick suggests they see long-term potential, but the path to regular playing time is steep.

For Sherman to secure a role in New Orleans, he must demonstrate significant improvement in core NFL skills, particularly in the run game and against powerful defensive linemen. His athletic profile is promising, but the NFL is littered with failed athletic projects who lacked the strength and technical refinement to compete against seasoned professionals. The Saints’ offensive line coaching staff will be crucial in refining Sherman’s technique, ensuring he can handle the physical demands of the position.

The timeline for his potential breakout is uncertain. Sherman could remain on the practice squad for another season, earning call-ups only in emergencies. Alternatively, an injury or performance issue within the Saints’ offensive line unit could thrust him into a more prominent role. If he can earn the trust of the coaching staff, he may develop into a quality developmental prospect, eventually earning snaps as a reserve lineman or special teams contributor.

Sherman’s future in the NFL will also depend on broader trends in offensive line play. The increasing emphasis on athletic, mobile linemen who can handle edge rushes and zone schemes presents an opportunity for players with his skill set. If he can transition successfully to guard, where his quickness and agility are better utilized, Sherman could become a valuable rotational player or even a starter in a pass-heavy offense.

In the broader context of his draft class, Sherman represents one of the more intriguing late-round athletic projects. Sixth-round picks rarely become impact players, but history shows that some—even those with unconventional profiles—defy expectations. Players like Quenton Nelson, selected in the first round but similarly athletic for his size, changed the paradigm for interior linemen. While Sherman’s path is far from certain, his physical tools provide a foundation upon which success can be built.

The New Orleans Saints, under the direction of head coach Dennis Allen and offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak, have shown a willingness to develop young offensive linemen. Sherman’s future will be shaped by his adaptability, work ethic, and ability to refine his game. If he can harness his athleticism into reliable NFL production, he could carve out a niche as a high-upside developmental player. However, the margin for error is slim, and the NFL demands tangible results.

Ultimately, William Sherman’s legacy will be determined by his ability to overcome the challenges of transitioning from an unknown college prospect to a consistent contributor in one of the league’s most physically demanding positions. His story serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of professional sports, where potential and physical tools can either translate into success or serve as cautionary tales. For now, Sherman remains a work in progress, a player whose NFL journey is still in its formative stages.