New Orleans Saints select Florida State DB P.J. Williams with second third-round pick
 

The New Orleans Saints picked Florida State cornerback P.J. Williams in the third round of the 2015 NFL Draft. He was the No. 78 overall selection.

Williams had a DUI charge dropped Monday leading into the draft. The Tallahassee Democrat reported Williams was arrested April 3, but charges were dropped after prosecutors cited a lack of compelling video evidence to move forward with the case.

Williams will presumably provide depth behind starting cornerbacks Keenan Lewis and Brandon Browner, and contend for the nickel position.

Williams was a two-year starter at Florida State. He played 40 games over three seasons and logged 123 tackles. He intercepted four passes -- three as a sophomore during the Seminoles' national championship season in 2013.

Williams was a semifinalist for the Thorpe Award and a first-team all-ACC selection.

New Orleans Saints select Florida State DB P.J. Williams with second third-round pick | NOLA.com



Can you go through your thoughts on being drafted by the Saints?

“I’m excited. The Saints were definitely a team that I talked to quite a bit; they let me know that I was a great fit for their defense. Once I got that call, I was definitely excited to land in a great place like that, and with a great team and a lot of guys that I can learn from and grow with. This is definitely a great time for me.”

Read more: P.J. Williams talks about being drafted by the Saints



ANALYSIS

STRENGTHS Possesses desired height, weight and speed. Able to face up and handle business from press coverage all game long. Bump-and-run specialist. Length and strength to put a receiver into detour mode off the jam. Waits to open hips up until receiver has committed to his release. Able to turn, run and close. Has feel to stay wired on inside or outside releases. Able to get on top of vertical routes and smother. Can carry speed down the field. Outstanding timing and ball skills to knock throw away. Instinctive and aware, extending outside of his area to make plays. Sure tackler in open field with second gear to explode into ball carriers.

WEAKNESSES Physical down the field and could take time to acclimate to NFL illegal-contact rules. Stays on high-side down the field, opening himself to easy comebacks. Appears to lose some interest when asked to cover in zone. Won't be able to consistently jam savvy NFL receivers off the line. Motor runs hot and cold. Shows up ready when stakes are high, but puts it in cruise control and play looks less motivated against lesser opponents. Inconsistent to step downhill and attack the run.

DRAFT PROJECTION Round 2

SOURCES TELL US "I think his best position will end up being safety. He's strong enough as a tackler to make the move and his cover skills are what most teams are looking for from safeties now. He would be the second safety off the board if you project him there." - NFC general manager "Can't run. The more I watch him, the more limited I realize he's going to be." - NFC defensive backs coach

NFL COMPARISON Stephon Gilmore

BOTTOM LINE Cover cornerback with the talent to play on an island, and the swagger to regroup and forget when beaten. Williams can cover outside or from the slot, and has potential to come in and start right away for an aggressive man-cover defense. Williams had some issues recovering when beaten deep and may end up making a move to safety on the next level. He has the talent to be a capable NFL starter at either position.

P.J. Williams Draft Profile

Re: New Orleans Saints select Florida State DB P.J. Williams with second third-round pick
 

solid value pick. round three is a good spot for him.

Re: New Orleans Saints select Florida State DB P.J. Williams with second third-round pick
 

I am not going to get too excited til he get on the field. Learned my lesson (SJB)

Re: New Orleans Saints select Florida State DB P.J. Williams with second third-round pick
 

�� I tried not to get excited but dayum those highlights �� have me pumped up!

Re: New Orleans Saints select Florida State DB P.J. Williams with second third-round pick
 

PJ is probably one of the most physical/press corners out there. Physical, physical, physical. He tackles like a LB and does not shy away from contact. Love his swagger.

Getting this guy in the 3rd ... stealing.

Re: New Orleans Saints select Florida State DB P.J. Williams with second third-round pick
 

I agree.

Re: New Orleans Saints select Florida State DB P.J. Williams with second third-round pick
 

Don't like the safety reference....

Re: New Orleans Saints select Florida State DB P.J. Williams with second third-round pick
 

this guy is exciting.

Re: New Orleans Saints select Florida State DB P.J. Williams with second third-round pick
 

Brandon Browner 2.0?

Re: New Orleans Saints select Florida State DB P.J. Williams with second third-round pick
 

I hope your right with the Browner comparison. Not a bad 3rd round pick.