Garrett Williams

Garrett Williams (CB) – Syracuse / Junior

5’10”, 192 Lbs. (Official)

2022 Stats: 7 games, 285 snaps, 36 tackles, 25 solo, 1-½  tackle for loss, sack, 5 run stops, 3 passes defended, 2 interceptions, fumble recovery, forced fumble {reference: https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/garrett-williams-2.html}

Awards: Top-10 ACC in numerous defensive categories in both ’20 & ’21.

Measurables: QBR when targeted 88.6, Wingspan – N/A, Hands – 9-1/4, 40-yard – N/A, Vertical – N/A, Broad – N/A, 19 reps at 225 lbs (Combine)

Games Watched: 2022 vs Virginia, 2022 vs Purdue, 2022 vs Connecticut, 2022 vs Louisville 

PROS 

Garrett Williams’s length and athleticism allow him to be a dawg at catch point as well as contested catches (13 min left in 4th qtr vs Virginia,  QB Armstrong throws one deep down right side of field and Williams leaves his man to grab the INT in front of WR). He can mirror WRs well and has loose/fluid hips that allows him to make most transitions silky smooth. Carries a ‘Try Me’ demeanor on the field and knows he is a natural playmaker ( 10:36 left in 2nd qtr vs Virginia, Williams reads QB Armstrong eyes and jumps the route to knock away a would be completion). Although Williams isn’t the biggest hitter he packs enough punch to make the tackle and disrupt the ball carrier (13:45 left in 1st qtr vs UCONN, b2b plays Williams see the screen develop and leaves his guy throwing his body at the ball carrier to make the tackles). He had good speed, lateral movement, and can fight through contact to make tackles.

CONS

Williams seems to be more upright in his back pedal than the rest of the field and can fall a step behind when changing direction (7:50 left in 2nd qtr vs Louisville,  WR goes in motion and stops to throw a pass. Williams bites on the fake block by WR and gets burnt over the top for 40+ yds). The major concern is the ACL tear week 6 of the 2022 season, will this affect his speed and movement once recovered? Although GW production was good in ’22 before the injury he has a career QBR when targeted above 100 which is below average for sure. (6:49 left in 4th vs Purdue, Williams lined up on top screen 1on1 vs Jones. Sizzle gives Williams a stutter step and Cooks him for a long TD, Jones went 11 for 188, TD mostly vs Williams)

OVERALL THOUGHTS

The injury will be a major concern for GMs going into the draft as they will have to rely on film and their gut as Garrett couldn’t answer any physical questions at the combine. Williams has all the tools to excel at the next level and if the recovery process goes well he could be a bona-fide steal late and standout DB in 2024.