Rookie defender has been much more than the Packers could have hoped for
When the Green Bay Packers traded up to select safety Evan Williams in the fourth round, it generated buzz around the league. First, because he was a reach compared to the consensus board. But also because there were other teams wanting to get him as well. So far, the rookie has been exactly what the […]
When the Green Bay Packers traded up to select safety Evan Williams in the fourth round, it generated buzz around the league. First, because he was a reach compared to the consensus board. But also because there were other teams wanting to get him as well.
So far, the rookie has been exactly what the Packers wanted — and much more than anyone could have predicted.
He had one interception against the Indianapolis Colts to close the game during a Hail Mary and a huge pass breakup to seal the win over the Los Angeles Rams last week. On Sunday, against the Arizona Cardinals, he tackled Kyler Murray on a decisive down, identifying a read option, and later in the game he forced a huge fumble, recovered by Jaire Alexander.
What has impressed is how Williams puts himself in position to make plays because of how intelligent he is — especially considering how hard it is for rookies to absorb so much early on.
"He does a great job. It's a credit to him, he's a smart football player," Packers head coach said after the game. "That's something that we saw in him and our scouts saw in him coming out of the draft. He's a really intelligent guy that has great instincts and awareness, and can take the plan and go out there and execute it."
Evan Williams said previous plays during the game gave him an indication that Cardinals wide receiver Greg Dortch could be susceptible to fumbles. He executed it, and the plan paid off.
"I knew that (we) had a couple guys that were hitting him already," Williams revealed. "And that I was gonna have a good chance to punch the ball out."
It's unusual for fourth-round rookies to have such an impact. But Evan Williams has been so impressive that the Packers created a real rotation in the secondary.
Against the Cardinals, Javon Bullard played as the second safety in base defense, but Williams was the piece on the field in nickel. Keisean Nixon was the boundary corner in base, but he moved inside to the slot in nickel, with Eric Stokes getting in. Eventually, Bullard played in the slot just like had happened against the Rams, with the Packers using a big nickel personnel.
"We feel like we have a lot of good players," LaFleur explained. "So we want to get them all involved."
Evan Williams is a versatile, smart piece, and he has executed everything at a high level. It would be impressive for any player, but it's particularly notable for a rookie. The ceiling is promising, and it's just another reminder of how effective general manager Brian Gutekunst was to rebuild the safety room in just one offseason.
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