Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

James Williams () - 1985 NFL Draft Pick #288 by TB

---

Pre-Draft Analysis for James Williams (1985 NFL Draft)

Player Profile:

• Name: James Williams
• Position: Defensive Back
• College: University of Florida

Overview:

James Williams was regarded as one of the top defensive backs entering the 1985 NFL Draft. His performance at the collegiate level showcased his potential to be a significant contributor at the professional level. With a combination of speed, agility, and ball skills, Williams was seen as a candidate who could excel in both man and zone coverage schemes.

Strengths:

• Speed: Williams demonstrated impressive straight-line speed, making him a threat in coverage.
• Ball Skills: He had a strong ability to track the ball and make interceptions, evidenced by his collegiate statistics.
• Versatility: Capable of playing both cornerback and safety, providing teams with flexibility in their secondary.
• Tackling: Solid tackling technique, able to support in run defense effectively.

Areas for Improvement:

• Physicality: While he was effective in coverage, there were concerns about his ability to handle bigger receivers in press coverage.
• Consistency: At times, his play was inconsistent, leading to questions about his readiness for the NFL.

Projected Draft Position:

Williams was projected to be selected in the 2nd to 3rd round of the 1985 NFL Draft, depending on team needs and strategies. His potential to develop into a starting defensive back made him an attractive option for teams looking to bolster their secondary.

Conclusion:

James Williams was highly regarded coming out of college, with many scouts believing he had the tools to succeed at the next level. His combination of skills and athleticism made him one of the more intriguing defensive prospects in the 1985 draft class.