2015 NFL Draft Profile: P.J. WIlliams, CB FSU

Florida State cornerback P.J. Williams has the height, weight and speed that are pretty standard for a cornerback at the NFL level. However, he excels as a physical player, especially in bump-and-run type coverage. He’s got great closing ability and can pinpoint the ball at its highest point to go up and get it.

Like Vikings cornerback Xavier Rhodes, the physical nature of P.J. Williams’ game will have to change at the NFL level so that he doesn’t get flagged for penalties on a regular basis. In addition to that, his over-aggressive nature can lead to him making big mistakes and giving up long plays. He will need to be much more disciplined to succeed for the team that picks him.

The team that drafts him will have to be willing to put in the time and effort to help prepare him mentally for the NFL game and assist him in making the adjustments necessary to his game to avoid penalties. However, the team that ends up with P.J. Williams could end up as the best corner in this draft class when it’s all said and done.

January 1, 2015; Pasadena, CA, USA; Florida State Seminoles defensive back P.J. Williams (26) in defense position against the Oregon Ducks in the 2015 Rose Bowl college football game at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Combine Measurables:

Height: 6’0″
Weight: 194 pounds
Arm Length: 31″
Hand Size: 8 5/8″
40 Yard Dash: 4.57 seconds
Bench Press: 12 reps
Vertical Jump: 40″
Broad Jump: 132″
3 Cone Drill: 7.08 seconds
20 Yard Shuttle: 4.28 seconds

Draft Projection

P.J. Williams is the #37 overall prospect in the 2015 NFL Draft according to CBS Sports and is their #4 available cornerback in the draft class. He is expected to be a late first round to early second round draft pick.

NFL Player Comparison

NFL.com: Stephon Gilmore, Buffalo Bills
CBSSports.com: Charles Tillman, Chicago Bears

Fit For The Vikings

Minnesota will be looking for a starting caliber corner to start opposite Xavier Rhodes. They could also add depth at the position by picking up a young, talented prospect.

My Take

Personally, I’d be more than willing for the Vikings to risk their second round selection on P.J. Williams. He’s the type of physical cornerback that could be really successful in a Mike Zimmer defense. All he needs is the same kind of guidance that he’s given Xavier Rhodes in the past to help him develop. I’d love to see him end up in Minnesota.

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