STRENGTHS - Extremely intelligent Williams consistently reads the play correctly and ends up around the ball. He is a muscular and well built safety who looks the part "on the hoof." Able to read the QB/Pass well he shows the ability to plant, drive and close quickly on passes in front of him to make good, fundamental tackle right after the catch. He flashes the ability to get out to the sideline to help the cornerback with over-the-top coverage. His smarts and awareness help him avoid making coverage errors and enables him to consistently carry out his responsibility/assignment. When he comes up quickly in run support, he flashes the ability to bend his knees and make strong hits/tackles. Williams outstanding character, intangibles and smarts definitely increase his draft value.
WEAKNESSES - Williams is a frustrating player because he looks the part and is a good athlete, but does not make many plays. Too often he is a beat late getting to the play and ends up around the ball and not making the tackle. While he will tackle when in position, he does not fly up the field aggressively in run support and seems content to let teammates make tackle while he acts as the last line of defense. Although he has good range in coverage, he does not make big plays and often just ends up making tackles outside after the receiver catches the ball. He is much more of a smooth, fluid athlete who lacks explosiveness and is not a quick twitch athlete who can change directions quickly to stay with TE's/RB's out of their breaks. Although he has good straight line speed, he does not move through traffic/tight-quarters well, which limits his ability to consistently chase down plays in pursuit.
SUMMARY - Williams was a disappointing player to evaluate because despite his physical talent, smarts and instincts, he does not make as many plays or change games very often. At times he come sup quickly on passes and in run support to make strong, physical tackles/hits, but more often than not in the games evaluated he was around the play and not making the play. I think that with Williams intangibles he will do whatever it takes to carve out a career in the NFL, which is why he will excel on special teams while developing as a safety. Overall, I believe Williams is going to be drafted higher than I have him rated because he is a better athlete than football player and will workout well at the Combine and his pro day. However, I did not see enough consistent play-making to make me believe he can be a productive starting safety in the NFL. I think he will turn out to be an excellent third/backup safety who can spot start and makes his living on special teams.