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Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Joejuan Williams (Vanderbilt) - 2019 NFL Draft Pick #45 by NE

What The Experts Thought Before The Draft

Pre-Draft Analysis: Joejuan Williams - Vanderbilt

Joejuan Williams, a cornerback from Vanderbilt University, entered the 2019 NFL Draft with a solid reputation as a physical and versatile defensive back. Here’s a breakdown of his strengths, weaknesses, and overall projection:

  • Size and Length: Williams stood out due to his impressive physical attributes. At 6'3" and weighing around 211 pounds, his height and wingspan made him an attractive option for teams looking for a cornerback who can match up against larger receivers.
  • Physical Play: Known for his physical style of play, Williams excelled in press coverage. His ability to disrupt receivers at the line of scrimmage was a key asset, allowing him to throw off timing and create opportunities for his defense.
  • Ball Skills: Williams demonstrated solid ball skills during his time at Vanderbilt. He had a knack for making plays on the ball, evidenced by his interceptions and pass breakups in college. His ability to track the ball and high-point it was a standout feature of his game.
  • Versatility: He showcased versatility by being able to line up in various positions in the secondary. This flexibility made him an appealing choice for teams that utilize multiple defensive schemes.
  • Run Support: Williams was also effective in run support, displaying a willingness to come up and tackle. His size and strength allowed him to engage with blockers and make plays in the open field.

Weaknesses

  • Speed: While Williams was effective in many areas, some scouts noted concerns about his straight-line speed, particularly against faster receivers in the NFL. He may struggle against elite speed in man coverage.
  • Footwork: At times, his footwork could be improved, especially in off-coverage situations. He needed to refine his technique to avoid being too grabby or getting beat by quick cuts.
  • Injury History: Some scouts raised concerns about his injury history during college, which could affect his durability at the professional level.

Overall Projection

Joejuan Williams was viewed as a mid-round prospect in the 2019 NFL Draft. His combination of size, physicality, and ball skills made him an intriguing option for teams in need of a cornerback who could contribute both in coverage and run support. Teams that favor a press-man coverage scheme would likely value him more highly, potentially leading to an earlier selection than anticipated.