Jets 2019 NFL Draft Profile: CB Greedy Williams

In this 2019 NFL Draft profile, we look at the strengths, weaknesses, and draft projection for cornerback Greedy Williams out of LSU.

LSU’s Greedy Williams is set to be one of the most polarizing prospects in this year’s draft class. Some will be enamored with his incredible physical traits while others will be put off by his lackadaisical play style.

Either way, Williams will without a doubt be one of the most talked about players come April.

A high school teammate of current Michigan quarterback Shea Patterson, Williams played just two seasons at LSU, earning All-SEC honors in both of them. Born Andraez, the talented cornerback was given the nickname “Greedy” by his aunt and eventually, the name stuck.

After all, it’s never a bad thing for cornerbacks to be greedy.

Williams totaled eight interceptions and 19 pass deflections during his time with the Tigers and was named a Consensus All-American in 2018. With all the talent and potential to be the league’s next shutdown corner, Williams will be a hot topic of conversation over the next few months.

With that, let’s take a look and examine his strengths and weaknesses as a player.

STRENGTHS

Williams is, bar none, the most athletically talented cornerback in this year’s draft class. He has all the physical tools to be a Pro Bowl caliber No. 1 corner.

His ball skills are what stand out the most as Williams is able to keep his eye on the ball and live up to his “Greedy” moniker. Standing at 6’1,” Williams is long and uses his large wingspan to physically dominate opposing receivers at times. Especially for a cornerback of his size, his hip fluidity is spectacular allowing him to turn and run with receivers at will.

Moreover, the 21-year old has the speed and flexibility to be able to run stride-for-stride with nearly any NFL receiver. His upside as a press man cornerback is there given his size and hip flexibility.

Williams possesses a deadly combination of size, speed, and length that will have scouts salivating leading up to the draft. With the right development, Williams has the potential to be one of the premier corners in the league.

WEAKNESSES

Although the potential is all there, Williams seems to struggle to put it all together sometimes. The LSU product has been heavily criticized for his lethargic effort, oftentimes lagging yards behind the play.

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Williams shies away from contact too often and offers very little as a tackler due to his tendency to pull away from ballcarriers. His run support is lacking despite his size as Williams will too often miss on ankle tackles as opposed to sticking his head in to make the tackle.

The Shreveport native’s unenthusiastic playing style expands beyond his tackling abilities. Williams sometimes gets lazy with his coverage giving up on a play before it’s over. If the quarterback is given all day to throw the ball, there are times when Williams will ease off his receiver, seemingly giving up on his coverage assignment.

Despite his large physical frame, Williams doesn’t play to his size. While his press coverage is strong, Williams tends to struggle with handsy receivers, particularly ones who may push off a bit at the break of their routes.

NEW YORK JETS PREDICTION

While Williams is essentially a lock to go in the first round, it is unlikely the New York Jets are given the opportunity to select him. The Jets will be selecting third overall April and although Williams’ upside is impressive, a top 10 selection seems a bit rich for his current draft stock.

The only feasible scenario would see the Jets trade back to the middle of the first round and even so the team would likely have other needs they would look to address.

Still, Williams will be a good fit for a team in need of a playmaking, uber-talented cornerback prospect with incredible potential. However, the team that drafts him will need to bank on their coaching staff getting the most out of him at the next level.

If motivated, Williams can step in and be a day one impact starter in the secondary. But if he continues to play halfheartedly, there’s a good chance he could fizzle out and become a first-round draft bust.

His potential will need to be unlocked, it’ll be up to Williams and his coaching staff to find the right key.