Rodarius Williams Draft Overview
Position: Cornerback
Height: 6’-0”
Weight: 190 pounds
School: Oklahoma State
Rodarius Williams 2021 NFL Draft Profile
Brother of the Cleveland Browns 2019 second-round pick Greedy Williams, Rodarius Williams enters the NFL draft now ready to hear his own name announced. The Oklahoma State cornerback possesses similar traits to his NFL sibling, but could see his name called in the middle rounds. In 2020, Williams recorded 18 tackles in just nine starts, also setting the record for most consecutive starts at Oklahoma State with 48. An invite to the Senior Bowl and solid outing could have Williams going earlier than projected.
Williams had to redshirt his first year as a Cowboy. Getting on the field in 2017, Williams immediately showed production in 13 games, logging 44 stops and ten pass breakups. Consistency was a focus for Williams in 2018, where he saw 49 tackles, eight pass breakups, and two interceptions. Williams junior year showed more production in the run game than coverage where Williams notched 58 tackles and only six pass breakups. A shortened senior campaign resulted in less production for Williams, still defending seven passes in just nine contests. A second team all-conference nod will look good on a resume heading into the pros.
Strengths
- Shows polished footwork in off-press;
- Aggressive as an off-press corner;
- Wraps up receivers – doesn’t allow yards after catch;
- Matches up well on 50/50 balls – contests the catch;
- Forces issues early in routes
Weaknesses
- Doesn’t press with enough physicality;
- Sometimes loses ball on deep routes;
- Does not play to his 4.5 40-yard dash time;
- Niche fit into scheme;
- Hesitates to react to double moves;
- May lack patience to excel in NFL man coverage
NFL Comparison: Kevin King
Teams With Need at Position: Arizona Cardinals, Dallas Cowboys, Minnesota Vikings, Green Bay Packers, Philadelphia Eagles, Chicago Bears
Projection: Fourth Round
Bottom Line on Rodarius Williams
Rodarius Williams has many traits that make him considerable for a backup spot on a roster. His straight line speed to stay with receivers is desired in NFL corners. Williams contests the catch point with his long frame, even against bigger body pass catchers. He can recognize routes and his fundamental footwork allows him to interrupt them with ease. The NFL has become very up-tempo with younger coaches and different strategies. Williams could excel in a scheme that is catered to defending pass-happy offenses — for instance, the Arizona Cardinals. Williams also makes open field tackles when allowing receptions, allowing minimal gains after the catch.
Though Williams blazed by scouts with a 4.5 40-yard dash time, his play doesn’t show that kind of speed when in coverage. On deeper routes, Williams may lose sight of the ball giving up big plays or penalties. His eye focus on the quarterbacks to receivers needs more balance and awareness. To take the next step to the NFL, Williams will need to open his hips more quickly to stay with shiftier pass catchers. Off-man coverage will showcase his talents, but forced to press NFL receivers may be setting him up for failure.
Cornerback seems to be a starved position in the NFL when it comes to solid starters and depth. This could make way for prospects like Williams to fall into place with the right team. Mainly a scheme fit corner, Williams will do best going to a team playing off-man coverage or Cover 2 Zone. If a team sees him being just the right guy to come in and be second or third on a depth chart, Williams could go as early as the beginning of round three. However, a lack of burst and awareness could see him fall as far as the fifth.
Main Photo:
Embed from Getty Images
