By Charlie Campbell
Weaknesses:
Summary: LSU and Florida have a running debate about which university is known as “DB U” because both programs have had a strong history of producing good defensive back prospects for the NFL. Andraez ‘Greedy’ Williams will keep the Tigers’ tradition alive after Donte Jackson and Kevin Toliver moved onto the NFL following the 2017 season. While Jackson had an excellent 2017, some felt that Williams was the Tigers’ best cornerback in 2017, putting together a breakout season. He totaled six interceptions, 11 passes broken up and 38 tackles in his redshirt freshman campaign.
In 2018, Williams totaled two interceptions, 32 tackles and nine passes broken up. He played well against Ole Miss and its trio of future NFL receivers. Florida threw away from Williams all game, but he struggled against Georgia and Alabama. Versus the Crimson Tide, Williams gave up a few first-down receptions, a touchdown, and a longer completion to Jerry Jeudy.
Williams helped himself at the NFL Scouting Combine by running the 40-yard dash in 4.37 seconds. However, he did not look very good in the field drills and showed some issues in his technique.
For the NFL, Williams would fit best in a press-man scheme. In that style, he could use his size and length to cover up receivers running with them downfield. Williams has the straight-line speed to run in press man, and if he gets stronger that would help him to be an excellent press-man corner.
Williams enters the pros with some limitations. He lacks instincts and awareness while not playing up to his timed speed. That was evident against Georgia and Alabama last year. He does not play well or have good feel in off-man coverage. He also is not a great fit as a zone corner. Thus, Williams is more of a second-round talent.
In speaking to team sources, numerous teams graded Williams in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft. However, teams don’t have 32 first-round graded players, so some second-round talents will get selected on the opening night of the draft. Williams is a favorite to be one of those players because he plays a premium position and has tools to work with. One general manager told WalterFootball.com that Williams is one of the most overrated players in the 2019 NFL Draft.
Player Comparison: Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie. Williams and Rodgers-Cromartie have some similarities as they are both athletic cornerbacks with length, a lean frame, and limited play strength. Rodgers-Cromartie was a first-round pick, and Williams probably will be one in the 2019 NFL Draft.
NFL Matches: Denver, Washington, Carolina, Cleveland, Tennessee, Pittsburgh, Houston, Oakland, Philadelphia, Indianapolis, Tampa Bay, New York Giants,
The Broncos with the 10th-overall pick could be the highest that Williams could hope to go. Denver needs a true No. 1 cornerback to replace Aqib Talib. If the Redskins cut Josh Norman, they could consider Williams to be their No. 1 corner. Carolina has some quality cornerbacks, but if Williams is the best player available, he could be a good fit for the Panthers.
Cleveland made a great pick in Denzel Ward last year and could use an upgrade to go with him. The Titans also could use an upgrade to go with Adoree’ Jackson. Pittsburgh could use more corner talent, and Williams could be the Steelers’ future replacement for Joe Haden.
The Texans badly need cornerback help because their veteran corners were liability last year and Aaron Colvin was a bust of a free agent signing. Oakland need more corner talent to go with Gareon Conley, so Williams could interest the Raiders in the 20s.
Philadelphia needs young cornerback talent, especial if Ronald Darby isn’t re-signed. The Colts could use more young cornerback talent as well.
The Bucs need a No. 1 corner as Vernon Hargreaves has disappointed and Brent Grimes is entering free agency. However, Tampa Bay took a few corners early on in the 2018 NFL Draft, so it seems unlikely the organization would take Williams as Jason Licht probably won’t want to admit the mistake of taking Hargreaves as a top-11 pick just yet. Williams could be a target if the Bucs trade back into the first round from their second-round pick.
Similarly, the Giants could move up for Williams from their second-round pick. That is a need for the defense after trading away Eli Apple, plus Janoris Jenkins could be a cap cut before long.
RELATED LINKS:
2019 NFL Mock Draft: Charlie’s | Walt’s
2019 NFL Draft Prospect Rankings
2019 NFL Draft Scouting Reports
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