5 cornerbacks the Vikings should keep tabs on in the 2023 NFL Draft
By Luke Parrish
Garrett Williams (Syracuse)
Garrett Williams is another long defender with exceptional ball skills that could be available on Day 2 of the draft. An injury in 2022 will likely slide him down just a bit but his value in the third round is something that could intrigue the Vikings if they decide to wait on a cornerback.
Williams was best in man coverage but Syracuse rarely operated out of man coverage, which left Williams in a weird spot. He does not have the long speed to play in that role but his length, physicality, and ball skills set him up well for a press-man defense.
While I am not completely sold on Williams given his lack of experience in man coverage and the recent injury, it is worth checking in on him throughout the pre-draft process. He has the tools to be a fit with Flores entering the mix, especially if they cannot land a premier cornerback in the first round of the draft.
His length allowed him to break-up 21 passes to go along with four interceptions in 28 games at Syracuse. That sort of length will make up for some of the speed concerns, which Williams exhibited a handful of times in college.