CB P.J. Williams set to rebound in 2016

Danno · 04-06-2016, 02:22 PM

After losing his entire rookie season to an injury, New Orleans Saints cornerback P.J. Williams is projected to take on a significant role within the Saints’ secondary in 2016.

Williams, a former third-round pick out of Florida State, suffered a season-ending hamstring injury before the start of the regular season. With the loss of Williams, former CFL star Delvin Breaux and Brandon Browner took a majority of the first-team snaps.

Though Breaux seemed to shine under the limelight (PFF’s eighth-ranked cornerback in 2015), Browner did quite the opposite. According to ProFootballFocus.com, Browner graded out as the worst NFL cornerback among the 111 eligible in 2015.

The Saints allowed the second-most passing yards per game and a league-high 45 touchdowns in 2015, via NFL.com.

Though New Orleans will need several difference-makers on their defense before they emerge as a top passing defense in this league, head coach Sean Payton believes that Williams is capable of excelling in a starting role in the secondary.

“P.J. Williams is smart,” Payton said shortly after Day 2 of the 2015 NFL draft, via NewOrleansSaints.com. “He’s got really good football IQ. I see him being a guy that will be able to come in and compete with the rest of these guys on the outside. I do think that he is someone that should be able to play with these guys in the nickel defense, so we are hopeful he can come in and compete for that spot. He’s got a lot of good younger and veteran players ahead of him. I do think he learns very quickly, so that gives him a chance to play on the inside as well as the outside.”

At 6’0”, 194 pounds, Williams possesses an ideal combination of size and speed that will allow him to remain versatile as an inside or outside cornerback. Williams’ physical, aggressive demeanor pairs well with his ability to press receivers at the line of scrimmage and play the run....

Given his versatility, Williams could make an impact as a rotational player in nickel packages or even work his way up to the No. 2 corner spot opposite of Breaux in 2016. Though Williams won’t have his spot on the roster simply handed to him after missing the entire 2015 season, Payton isn’t necessarily in a position to overlook Williams’ skill set and overall potential given the Saints lack of talent at the position.

Look for Williams to start making headlines come training camp and the start of the preseason as one of New Orleans’ emerging corners this offseason.

ENTIRE READ... New Orleans Saints cornerback P.J. Williams to rebound in 2016

Don't forget about him.

K Major · 04-06-2016, 02:33 PM

Loved the swagger from PJ @ Fl State. He should have his chance to shine this camp however don't be surprised to see the Saints FO draft a corner by the 3rd round. The depth at the position is still concerning for me.

I bet Ireland isn't ruling out Alexander or the fast kid from Houston in the first

. Boy I could see JP throwing his flat screen out of the window if we selected a corner back at #12

.

dizzle88 · 04-06-2016, 02:59 PM

If this guy can deliver like we hope, having the likes of Breaux, Keenan and PJ would not be awful by any means.

Hopefully Keenan is back to full health.

Danno · 04-06-2016, 03:15 PM

Originally Posted by dizzle88

If this guy can deliver like we hope, having the likes of Breaux, Keenan and PJ would not be awful by any means.

Hopefully Keenan is back to full health.

And Damien Swann.

Swann looked very good last year, and we had PJ rated higher.
Swann is a heady player, unfortunately that may be his downfall. One more serious concussion and I think he'd be wise to shut it down for good.

I realize we're not gonna be the '99 Ravens, but on paper we look much improved and we still have the draft to go.

blackangold · 04-06-2016, 03:19 PM

We have a lot of talent at the CB spot, there are 5 solid players there whom could all start and perform well enough. Obviously DB40 and Lewis are the stand out guys and should start.

The issue is the health of all these guys. Every one of them missed time at some point last year due to injury. In addition, you have 3 of them who are complete question marks. We don't know if they will come back and play at the same level.

hagan714 · 04-06-2016, 09:37 PM

well worth the wait IMO. this was a gamble that should pay off big time.

Cruize · 04-07-2016, 08:11 AM

Swann should give up the game. Williams will boom or bust this year. If Williams and Sunseri can stay healthy, the back end of the defense will be much improved.

K Major · 04-07-2016, 08:23 AM

Originally Posted by Cruize

If Williams and Sunseri can stay healthy, the back end of the defense will be much improved.

That is exactly why I wouldn't be surprised if the Saints target another CB and/or safety in the draft later this month. It is very unfortunate that Swann is one more concussion away from possible retirement because last season the kid showed flashes that he can be a good nickle corner.

The key to a teams success depends a lot on being able to stay healthy.

Rugby Saint II · 04-07-2016, 10:47 AM

I'm slightly optimistic about the possibilities for our secondary. Staying on the field is the hardest part of an NFL players job.

QBREES9 · 04-07-2016, 11:45 PM

Will see you in camp. Glad your healthy.

04-06-2016, 02:33 PM	#2
K Major Site Donor 2019 Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Bedford, TX Posts: 24,038 Blog Entries: 3	Re: CB P.J. Williams set to rebound in 2016 Loved the swagger from PJ @ Fl State. He should have his chance to shine this camp however don't be surprised to see the Saints FO draft a corner by the 3rd round. The depth at the position is still concerning for me. I bet Ireland isn't ruling out Alexander or the fast kid from Houston in the first . Boy I could see JP throwing his flat screen out of the window if we selected a corner back at #12 .

04-06-2016, 02:59 PM	#3
dizzle88 10000 POST CLUB Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 10,838	Re: CB P.J. Williams set to rebound in 2016 If this guy can deliver like we hope, having the likes of Breaux, Keenan and PJ would not be awful by any means. Hopefully Keenan is back to full health.

04-06-2016, 03:15 PM	#4
Danno Truth Addict Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Spanish Fort, AL (via NO and B/R) Posts: 24,640	Re: CB P.J. Williams set to rebound in 2016 Originally Posted by dizzle88 If this guy can deliver like we hope, having the likes of Breaux, Keenan and PJ would not be awful by any means. Hopefully Keenan is back to full health. And Damien Swann. Swann looked very good last year, and we had PJ rated higher. Swann is a heady player, unfortunately that may be his downfall. One more serious concussion and I think he'd be wise to shut it down for good. I realize we're not gonna be the '99 Ravens, but on paper we look much improved and we still have the draft to go. Rugby Saint II and dizzle88 like this.

04-06-2016, 03:19 PM	#5
blackangold 1000 Posts + Join Date: Aug 2011 Posts: 3,422	Re: CB P.J. Williams set to rebound in 2016 We have a lot of talent at the CB spot, there are 5 solid players there whom could all start and perform well enough. Obviously DB40 and Lewis are the stand out guys and should start. The issue is the health of all these guys. Every one of them missed time at some point last year due to injury. In addition, you have 3 of them who are complete question marks. We don't know if they will come back and play at the same level.
	Last edited by blackangold; 04-06-2016 at 09:55 PM.. Reason: iphone

04-06-2016, 09:37 PM	#6
hagan714 LB Mentallity Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 15,870 Blog Entries: 68	Re: CB P.J. Williams set to rebound in 2016 well worth the wait IMO. this was a gamble that should pay off big time.
	Last edited by hagan714; 04-08-2016 at 06:25 AM..

04-06-2016, 02:22 PM	#1
Danno Truth Addict Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Spanish Fort, AL (via NO and B/R) Posts: 24,640	CB P.J. Williams set to rebound in 2016 After losing his entire rookie season to an injury, New Orleans Saints cornerback P.J. Williams is projected to take on a significant role within the Saints’ secondary in 2016. Williams, a former third-round pick out of Florida State, suffered a season-ending hamstring injury before the start of the regular season. With the loss of Williams, former CFL star Delvin Breaux and Brandon Browner took a majority of the first-team snaps. Though Breaux seemed to shine under the limelight (PFF’s eighth-ranked cornerback in 2015), Browner did quite the opposite. According to ProFootballFocus.com, Browner graded out as the worst NFL cornerback among the 111 eligible in 2015. The Saints allowed the second-most passing yards per game and a league-high 45 touchdowns in 2015, via NFL.com. Though New Orleans will need several difference-makers on their defense before they emerge as a top passing defense in this league, head coach Sean Payton believes that Williams is capable of excelling in a starting role in the secondary. “P.J. Williams is smart,” Payton said shortly after Day 2 of the 2015 NFL draft, via NewOrleansSaints.com. “He’s got really good football IQ. I see him being a guy that will be able to come in and compete with the rest of these guys on the outside. I do think that he is someone that should be able to play with these guys in the nickel defense, so we are hopeful he can come in and compete for that spot. He’s got a lot of good younger and veteran players ahead of him. I do think he learns very quickly, so that gives him a chance to play on the inside as well as the outside.” At 6’0”, 194 pounds, Williams possesses an ideal combination of size and speed that will allow him to remain versatile as an inside or outside cornerback. Williams’ physical, aggressive demeanor pairs well with his ability to press receivers at the line of scrimmage and play the run.... Given his versatility, Williams could make an impact as a rotational player in nickel packages or even work his way up to the No. 2 corner spot opposite of Breaux in 2016. Though Williams won’t have his spot on the roster simply handed to him after missing the entire 2015 season, Payton isn’t necessarily in a position to overlook Williams’ skill set and overall potential given the Saints lack of talent at the position. Look for Williams to start making headlines come training camp and the start of the preseason as one of New Orleans’ emerging corners this offseason. ENTIRE READ... New Orleans Saints cornerback P.J. Williams to rebound in 2016 Don't forget about him.

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04-07-2016, 08:11 AM	#7
Cruize 1000 Posts + Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 4,294	Re: CB P.J. Williams set to rebound in 2016 Swann should give up the game. Williams will boom or bust this year. If Williams and Sunseri can stay healthy, the back end of the defense will be much improved.
Cruize 1000 Posts + Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 4,294

04-07-2016, 08:23 AM	#8
K Major Site Donor 2019 Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Bedford, TX Posts: 24,038 Blog Entries: 3	Re: CB P.J. Williams set to rebound in 2016 Originally Posted by Cruize If Williams and Sunseri can stay healthy, the back end of the defense will be much improved. That is exactly why I wouldn't be surprised if the Saints target another CB and/or safety in the draft later this month. It is very unfortunate that Swann is one more concussion away from possible retirement because last season the kid showed flashes that he can be a good nickle corner. The key to a teams success depends a lot on being able to stay healthy. hagan714 likes this.

04-07-2016, 10:47 AM	#9
Rugby Saint II Bounty Money $$$ Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: 5800 Airline Dr. Metairie, LA. Posts: 23,727	Re: CB P.J. Williams set to rebound in 2016 I'm slightly optimistic about the possibilities for our secondary. Staying on the field is the hardest part of an NFL players job. SmashMouth likes this.

04-07-2016, 11:45 PM	#10
QBREES9 Moderator Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: New Haven Ct Posts: 23,982	Re: CB P.J. Williams set to rebound in 2016 Will see you in camp. Glad your healthy.

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