P.J. Williams NFL Draft 2015: Scouting Report, Grade for Saints Rookie

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STRENGTHS

A key for the Florida State defense over the past two years, P.J. Williams is a physical, tough player on the edge. At cornerback he's willing and able in the run game and will attack the line of scrimmage (see the Georgia Tech game). He has the triangle (height, weight, speed) scouts want and carries himself bigger on the field. Williams has the size to handle press coverage and is excellent in man coverage. He's fast enough to run in phase and tough enough to fight for the ball. He shows a good feel for routes and is a smooth mover through transitions. He's a confident, cocky cornerback with a short memory and big playmaking potential.

WEAKNESSES

With short arms and small hands, Williams will get knocked by teams who are looking for the Richard Sherman-style cornerback. He's inconsistent with his motor and will go through lapses where he's off his game. Williams was targeted often as offenses avoided Ronald Darby on the other side of the field. He's a handsy player who will have to adjust to NFL rules—especially down the field. Williams needs to turn earlier in the route to find the ball, but that's a technique fix that can be accomplished early in the NFL if he takes to coaching.

Williams was arrested for a DUI on April 3 and plead not guilty to the charge.

2014 STATISTICS

Tackles      Passes Defended   Interceptions
     74                     10                           1

PRO COMPARISON: Jason McCourty, Tennessee Titans

A lean, tall cornerback with swagger and good ball skills, Williams is very comparable to Jason McCourty across the board.

FINAL GRADE: 6.25/9.00 (Rookie Impact)