Fansided
Fansided

RJ Williamson, S, Michigan State: 2016 NFL Draft Scouting Report

By Jonathan Gross

Sep 12, 2015; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans safety Rj Williamson (26) celebrates goal line stand against the Oregon Ducks during the 1st half of a game at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 12, 2015; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans safety Rj Williamson (26) celebrates goal line stand against the Oregon Ducks during the 1st half of a game at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

With the exception of a 38-0 shellacking at the hands of Alabama in the College Football Playoff, Michigan State’s defense was among tops in the country last season. Its front seven was ferocious but the secondary, featuring RJ Williamson, was not too shabby either.

The safety from Dayton, Ohio finished his career with 154 tackles (6.5 for loss), 12 pass break-ups, and eight interceptions, two of which he returned for touchdowns. He also returned a fumble 64 yards for a score.

Despite a major injury as a senior, Williamson could be a surprise come draft time.

Measurables

6-0

216 lbs.

4.63 40-yard dash

Strengths

His biggest strength is the ability to capitalize on opportunities. Out of the 20 passes he defended, Williamson intercepted 40 percent of them. That is an impressive ratio.

Check out this tremendous interception against Boise State in his sophomore season.

Williamson is also a sure-fire tackler. For someone who started only 17 games, he racked up tackles, most notably his team-high ten stops against pass-happy Baylor in the 2015 Cotton Bowl.

His size definitely contributes to this, considering he has great weight for a safety.

Weaknesses

More from Scouting Reports

RJ Williamson’s biggest weakness is a lack of experience. He only started 17 games so scouts do not have much to work with.

As a senior, RJ underwent bicep surgery, causing him to miss eight games. While he did return to play Alabama in the semifinal, the injury could be a cause for concern. A few big hits or awkward tackles could re-injure his bicep, although reports indicate he is doing well in that regard.

Outlook

Williamson’s draft stock took a major hit when he got injured. He was supposed to be the pinnacle of the Spartans’ defense, which would have put him much higher on draft boards.

In the short amount of time he has played, the safety showed flashes of excellence. While there are question marks, some front offices may see upside. Expect Williamson to be taken in the seventh round or be signed as an undrafted free agent.

Home/Scouting Reports