Mar 20, 2011
Position: CB Vertical Leap: 37.5″
Height/Weight: 6’0″ 204 NFL Comparison: Cedric Griffin
40 Time (10 Yard): 4.55 (1.58) Projected Round: 2
Stats: http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=380121
My Take: It’s hard not to like Aaron Williams after watching him play. He’s a physical corner who plays with emotion and is willing to stick his nose in there. He’s clearly not on the same plateau as Peterson or Amukamara, but those guys are just special talents. That shouldn’t take away from the fact that Williams is a very good corner who will help a team right away, probably at corner but possibly at safety.
The biggest knock on Williams is his speed. He ran in the mid-4.5′s at the Combine and will struggle against receivers with great speed. Match him up against bigger receivers with less speed, though, and he holds up very well. He’s capable of pressing receivers and taking advantage of his large frame. Surprisingly, he actually seems to do very well in the slot despite this, having experience as an underclassmen there. Nickel corner may be his role as a rookie depending on which team he goes to, so at least he can contribute there instead of being limited to playing outside.
I think his spot may end up at free safety in the pros. His size and speed lend himself more to the safety position, and add that to his aggressiveness coming in to make a tackle and I think you’ve got yourself a pretty darn good safety. He’s not the kind of corner who’s going to make ankle tackles or just hold up the ball carrier until help comes, he wants to take them down on his own and punish them in the process (Just ask Sam Bradford).
Williams has a role on just about any team. I have to think he will have success in one of the aforementioned roles, so he should be a very valuable pick for teams who are willing to experiment with him and move him around. I love his style of play and he’s the kind of DB I’d want on my team. If he had more speed, the guy would be almost certainly a first round pick. You have to realize his limitations in the speed department, but if you can see past that and not match him up against burners, he will be a valuable cover man who can tackle, too.
-Tom
Additional Game Film/Highlights:
Wow great write up, I really like Williams a ton!
This guy is obviously not afraid of contact. Good hands and ball skills. Does a nice job of playing outside in, does not get out leveraged. Never gives up on a play. Really love him over the slot. Plays with emotion.
Lack of speed is the glaring weakness. Shows coverage too early sometimes. Good hitter, but doesnt wrap.
Worst case, 3rd DB, Nickelback.
Best case, Starting CB on #2 reciever or starting at FS. Would be a great cover 2 guy. Reminds me a little of Antoine Winfield.