P.J. Williams

A four-star cornerback/S recruit out of high school, Kenneth Lamar "P.J." Williams committed to Florida State as a junior and stuck to his pledge even after late pushes by Miami (Fla.) and Alabama. He played in 13 games as true freshman reserve in 2012, recording 14 tackles, mostly on special teams coverages. Williams became a starter in 2013 as a sophomore (11 starts) and led the team in passes defended (10) with 35 tackles and three interceptions, earning All-ACC Honorable Mention honors and Defensive MVP honors in the BCS National Title Game. He started 13 games in 2014 as a junior and finished second on the team in passes defended (11), recording 74 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss and one interception, earning First Team All-ACC honors. Williams decided to bypass his senior season and enter the 2015 NFL Draft.

williams does have some off-field and durability concerns that need addressed, but he displays competitive temperament when on the field. he has the experience and skill-set to play press and off-man zone as a rookie and be an instant contributor, either inside or outside - solid second round pick.

Compares To

weaknesses

Lacks ideal girth and build and will be out-physicaled by bigger targets...can get tied up easily with suspect functional strength, struggling to avoid and shed blocks if off-balanced...sloppy tackling technique and more of a hitter than wrap-up tackler right now, striking too high at the contact point...needs to use his arm length more effectively in press and downfield, making too much contact or not enough - needs to find the right middle ground to avoid defensive holding or interference penalties.

not a quick-twitch type, but shows good read/react quickness...accelerates well with speed to get vertical - was a sprinter in high school (10.68 100-meter dash)...assignment sound and rarely caught off guard with the instincts and feel needed for the position - well-versed in both man and zone coverage...mature eye use and heady ball awareness...aggressive at the catch point and makes it tough on receivers to finish - double-digit passes defended each of the last two seasons.

Feisty at the point of attack and won't back down in the run game, setting the edge to tear through blocks in space...lowers his pads and throws his body around with the physical demeanor and strong hands to finish...effective blitzer with aggressive drive quickness.

charles tillman, panthers

Williams has the agility and speed to potentially handle man to man duties at the next level. His tenacity and physicality as an open-field tackler, however, is reminiscent of the Bears' long-time standout zone defender.

only average make-up speed and struggles to recover once the receiver gains a step, causing holds...lacks a natural feel with his back to the line of scrimmage - late to turn, locate and make the play...streaky ballskills and will leave some production on the field - doesn't appear natural in this area...minor durability concerns after missing the season opener in 2013 (thigh bruise) and the second game in 2014 (hamstring).

Off-field needs investigated after an alleged hit-and-run incident (Oct. 2014) - received two tickets for leaving the scene and driving with a suspended license.

in our view

Although he doesn't stand out as elite in any one area, Williams is very well-rounded with the size, strength and movement skills for the next level. He does a nice job staying in position to make plays in coverage and against the run, but he needs to improve his technique as a tackler and learn how to stay subtle with his downfield contact.

strengths

Good blend of size, strength and length for the position...fluid hip movements and looks natural in reverse, limiting wasted steps with smooth change of direction skills...mirrors well at the line of scrimmage with excellent footwork, showing patience and balance in his transition.

Versatile four-star defensive back that can play either corner or safety

played safety for Ocala's Vanguard High School and showed good ball skills and instincts on his way to being named Vangaurd's first ever Under Armour All-American

also played wide receiver

recorded 52 tackles as a senior and earned Associated Press' Class 6A all-state first team honors as a defensive utility player

played in the Under Armour All-America game and made three tackles and had one pass break-up for Team Blur

named first team All-County by The Ocala Star-Banner

named to the Super 75 by the Florida Times-Union

No. 52 on the Orlando Sentinel's 2012 Florida Top 100

rated a four-star recruit by ESPN, Rivals, Scout.com and 247Sports.com

No. 6 safety, No. 23 player in Florida and No. 59 regionally by ESPN and the No. 133 player on the ESPNU 150

ranked No. 9 safety, No. 23 player in Florida and No. 118 nationally by Rivals

No. 46 on the Mobile Register's Super Southeast 120

listed as the No. 10 safety and No. 16 player in the Scout.com Florida Top 100

No. 11 safety, No. 25 player in Florida and No. 168 on the Top 247 by 247Sports

has been clocked with sub 4.4 time in the 40-yard dash

named to the Super 75 by the Florida Times-Union

earned all-county honors as a junior after logging 83 tackles and an interception as the Knights' starting safety

posted a county-best 33.8-yards-per-return average on kickoffs, including a school-record four touchdowns as a sophomore at Vanguard

chose Florida State over Alabama and Miami (Fla.).