Do-it-all safety Marcus Williams brings versatility to Saints’ secondary (1 Viewer)

[Andrus]

By Connor Howe

Marcus Williams, the ball-hawking Utah safety with fantastic athletic ability, has been selected by the Saints with the 42nd pick in the 2017 NFL draft.

The former Utes safety totaled five interceptions in each of the last two seasons, ranking second among Pac-12 players in both 2015 and 2016. Williams has the playmaking instincts and physicality to thrive at the next level.
Why did the Saints pick Williams?

The free safety’s production speaks for itself. Williams was a playmaker throughout his collegiate career, totaling 11 total interceptions in three years. In 2016, the Utes finished the year with a 9-4 overall record, thanks in large part to Williams. One of the better run-stuffing safeties in this year’s draft class, Williams played a large part in Utah’s dominant defense which ranked 25th in rushing last year.

Ball-hawk

Williams’ prowess in the run game might be his most desirable asset — per Pro Football Focus, he had the highest run-stop percentage of all FBS safeties last year — but the safety’s interception numbers are hard to ignore.

The safety always seems to be in the right position, setting himself up for potential interception opportunities in coverage. But Williams also has the athleticism to deploy as a single-high or double-high safety and dart down to make plays on the ball when possible. He can high-point the ball with ease, showcasing his ridiculous vertical — he reached 43.5 inches at the Combine...

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Direct Link: http://www.sbnation.com/2017/4/28/15335250/marcus-williams-saints-nfl-draft-2017

 

[Slaw]

Absolutely love the pick. Knew the 3 safety sets weren't out of necessity. It is our defense. Marcus Williams is basically a Malik Hooker that was available in the 2nd round. He could even end up being better than Hooker. True ball hawking center fielder and exactly what we needed.

 

[SweetT]

Dude has great field awareness and is not afraid to lay the wood. Love this pick

 

[DefensePlease]

Sweet. So we now have 4 safeties and should be a position of strength.

 

[Black&Gold]

Absolutely love the pick. Knew the 3 safety sets weren't out of necessity. It is our defense. Marcus Williams is basically a Malik Hooker that was available in the 2nd round. He could even end up being better than Hooker. True ball hawking center fielder and exactly what we needed.

Hell yeah. Love this pick. Had him mocked here awhile ago. One pick I was dead set on. Bell, Vaccaro, Williams.....Hot damn

 

[Slaw]

Text my brother earlier today and said we needed to grab Obi Melifonwu or Marcus Williams. Was hoping for Obi, but that was based on potential. Marcus Williams is a definite fit and could end up being our next Darren Sharper, minus the date rape of course.

 

[BLACKSOJA]

Basically a Byrd replacement with no chaser.

 

[Clintonrebel]

Williams in, Byrd out. Any complaints?

 

[MSUSousaphone]

This and the fact that it means we are running more three safety sets makes me feel great about our LBs and CBs. Good core group. The DL is in better shape than the masses think. Okafor and Kik will get some sacks. But it stands as the position that needs the most upgrading on the D. But the thing I think most people are missing is that the DEs available in round 3 will be better quality than the Safeties. Love this pick. And I still think we will get a good DE.

 

[MSUSousaphone]

Sweet. So we now have 4 safeties and should be a position of strength.

FIVE versatile ones. KV, Bush, Williams, Bush, and Harris.

 

[Saints 4 life]

Text my brother earlier today and said we needed to grab Obi Melifonwu or Marcus Williams. Was hoping for Obi, but that was based on potential. Marcus Williams is a definite fit and could end up being our next Darren Sharper, minus the date rape of course.

Williams now has a date with the Falcons, Panthers & Bucs twice a year. RAPE-AWAY

 

[JBofWDN]

Resigning Bush and nabbing Williams sounds like insurance for Kenny V's contract year.

 

[GilFinnerty]

Guess we stacking similar skill set players with high value picks

 

[Slaw]

Resigning Bush and nabbing Williams sounds like insurance for Kenny V's contract year.

I think it has more to do with 3 safety sets. Neither of those guys would replace what Vaccaro does.

 

[t-rex23]

I think it has more to do with 3 safety sets. Neither of those guys would replace what Vaccaro does.

And it puts Vaccaro firmly in the "Rover" position that he has excelled in.