2019 NFL Draft: Defensive Rookie of the Year sleepers
Could the upcoming defensive rookie of the year be a guy who was drafted outside the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft? Let’s take a look at some sleeper contenders.
Greedy Williams, Cornerback, Cleveland Browns
After being regarded by many as the top cornerback in the 2019 NFL Draft, Greedy Williams fell out of the first round as some evaluators questioned his effort and love for the game. John Dorsey and the Cleveland Browns ended his fall in the middle of the second round, believing in the talented former LSU Tiger.
As one of the most dominant cover-corners in the nation last season at LSU, Williams is undoubtedly one of the most talented players of this NFL draft class. Williams led the SEC with six interceptions along with 10 passes defended in 2017. Last season, quarterbacks were hesitant to throw in his direction, but he still managed two picks, nine passes defended, and at times locked down some of the best receivers in the SEC.
There are some question marks surrounding Williams, with many people questioning his effort on the field, particularly when it comes to tackling. His love for the game has also been questioned, but if his head is in the right place, Greedy can prove to be an absolute steal.
Williams joins a Browns team with a young core and a still-rebuilding secondary. Cleveland spent a top-four pick on a corner in last year’s draft with Denzel Ward and hope that Williams can come in and lock down the other half of the field.
Terrance Mitchell is still listed as the starting corner across from Ward at the moment, but Williams has the talent and potential to be a rookie Pro Bowler just like Ward. The two could form a dynamic duo that could anchor the Browns secondary in 2019 and for years to come.
Mack Wilson, Linebacker, Cleveland Browns
Another Cleveland Brown? Two players on the same team on this shortlist? Don’t be too surprised. You might notice a bit of a trend coming up.
Mack Wilson has been nothing short of incredible thus far as a pro. Sure, he hasn’t played a regular-season game yet, but Wilson has been about as impressive as he could have to this point. Flying around in camp and returning an interception for a touchdown in his first preseason game, Wilson has been turning heads left and right.
Wilson will look to make his name as another great in the long line of Crimson Tide backers in the NFL. Although displaying his talent and potential in bursts at Bama, he didn’t quite have the production of some recent linebackers in the school’s history. He totaled just 65 tackles in 2018 but added two interceptions and five passes defended.
Dropping back in coverage is where Wilson has really shown his value. He can lock down tight ends, stay with running backs out of the backfield and even keep up with some receivers in today’s game.
A cerebral player who can recognize and jump routes in an instant, Wilson is like an extra safety on the field. Wilson will need to improve a bit as a tackler and sideline-to-sideline roamer if he wants to be the face of a linebacking corps, but he certainly could thrive in a role right away.
After being regarded by many scouts and NFL draft experts as the third-best inside linebacker in the class, Wilson fell to the fifth round. He clearly has a chip on his shoulder, and if he can continue to impress his way onto the field, Wilson should be able to show why he was a steal for Cleveland.