P.J. Williams: 2015 NFL Draft Scouting Report

Florida State cornerback P.J. Williams is one of the top corners in this draft class. He was a highly touted player out of high school, and as been an impact performer for the Seminoles, especially in his junior year.

Below is scouting report highlighting Williams’ strengths and weaknesses as a corner.

STRENGTHS

P.J. Williams physicality as a corner is one of his key traits. He’s not afraid to come downhill and take on tight ends and fullbacks in the run game. He shows good technique in this regard, striking with his hands and playing the “half man” so he doesn’t get swallowed up by bigger offensive players. Watch on this play versus Louisville as he takes on two blockers and eats up space off the boundary, minimizing the amount of the room the running back has to run.

P.J. Williams’ physicality shows up in the passing game as well. His ability to play press and bump and run coverage will suit him well at the next level. He is very aggressive with his hands, attacking receivers off the line of scrimmage and redirecting their routes. His athleticism allows him to easily run with receivers after redirecting them, even when his technique is imperfect.

He is not afraid to tackle bigger offensive players, showing no fear when attacking running backs and even tight ends. He is very aggressive in this aspect of his game. Watch him cut down the tight end on the screen in their season opener versus Oklahoma State.

WEAKNESSES

Williams has developed a bad tendency to hop out of his stance when playing bump and run, getting burnt off the line of scrimmage at times. He can be overly aggressive in his man coverage as well, engaging in too much contact which draws penalties, and NFL receivers will take advantage of his aggressiveness and momentum and use it against him. The Louisville wide receiver takes advantage of Williams’ aggression on this route for a big gain.

DRAFT STOCK

Right now, Williams is a first round prospect who should go in the back half of the first, but could sneak his way into the top half with a strong combine. Even if he doesn’t have the greatest combine, a cornerback needy team might pull the trigger on him in the top-16.

PLAYER COMPARISON

Stephon Gilmore, Buffalo Bills