Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Marcus Williams (Utah) - 2017 NFL Draft Pick #42 by NO

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Pre-Draft Analysis for Marcus Williams (2017 NFL Draft)

Position: Safety
College: University of Utah
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 201 lbs

Overview

Marcus Williams emerged as one of the top safety prospects in the 2017 NFL Draft after a standout career at the University of Utah. Known for his ball-hawking skills, Williams showcased the ability to make impactful plays in the secondary, making him an attractive option for NFL teams looking to bolster their defensive backfield.

Strengths

• Ball Skills: Williams possesses exceptional ball skills, demonstrated by his ability to locate and intercept passes. He recorded multiple interceptions during his college career, showcasing his playmaking ability.
• Range and Speed: His athleticism allows him to cover a lot of ground in the secondary. He has the speed to chase down receivers and make plays from sideline to sideline.
• Football IQ: Williams shows a high level of understanding of offensive schemes, which helps him anticipate plays and react quickly.
• Versatility: He can play both free safety and strong safety positions, providing teams with flexibility in their defensive schemes.

Weaknesses

• Tackling Consistency: While Williams has the ability to tackle, there are concerns about his tackling consistency and technique, which could be exploited at the NFL level.
• Physicality: Needs to improve his physical play against bigger receivers and tight ends, as he can be overpowered at times.
• Experience: Although he had a productive college career, some scouts noted a lack of experience against elite competition.

Draft Projection

Marcus Williams was projected to be selected in the second to third round of the 2017 NFL Draft, with teams valuing his potential impact in the passing game and his ability to create turnovers.

Conclusion

Williams was considered one of the more talented safeties in the class, possessing the skills necessary to make an immediate impact in the NFL. His combination of size, speed, and instincts made him a desirable selection for teams looking to upgrade their defensive backfield.