(Editor's Note: Heading into the upcoming NFL Draft, held April 30-May 2, DallasCowboys.com will take a closer look at the prospects, including some that could be potential fits with the Cowboys. Today's featured player is Florida State cornerback P.J. Williams.)
Name: P.J. Williams
Position: Cornerback
College: Florida State
Height/Weight: 6-0 / 195
Honors:Williams was named Defensive MVP of the Seminoles' 2013-14 National Championship win over Auburn with seven tackles and an interception. He also was a first-team All-ACC selection in his final season.
Where He's Projected:An early-entry junior, Williams had late-first-round buzz until he was arrested April 3 on a DUI charge. Williams has pleaded not guilty, but the arrest could affect his overall draft position since the entire pre-draft process is considered one long interview. Teams will certainly do their homework on the situation. Even if he's no longer in the first-round conversation, Williams' talent and impact on a championship program will likely make him a value pick somewhere as early as Round 2 or 3.
How He Helps the Cowboys:At 6-0, Williams has excellent size and he's comfortable in zone or man coverage. We've seen Cowboys defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli deploy both. Williams could clean up his tackling technique a bit, but he's a competitor and a winner – the Seminoles went 27-1 in his two years as a starter. It's no secret the Cowboys will look at drafting a cornerback given the question marks on their depth chart.
Scout's Take:Williams has the size and range that most defensive coordinators are looking for. Plays with nice strength and movement skills. Can turn and rally to the ball. Smooth player that doesn't play with any wasted steps or motions. Has the speed to get vertical. He's the type of corner that has the ability to save big plays. Stays in position during the route while showing the flexibility to do it from either side of the field. Uses his hands quite a bit in coverage and there are times where he does it too much. He's super aggressive in the way he plays so he has to be careful not to draw penalties. Very competitive in route. Will pedal sideways in zone but can really drive out of his break once he makes the read. Not afraid to attempt to tackle. Will throw his body around. Always playing to contact. Can be a bit of a hit and miss tackler. There are times where he could be sloppy in the way he goes about it. Williams is good when he has to come forward and take blockers on the edge. He was used as a blitzer out of the slot and was able to tip the ball away while doing this against Florida. Some streaky ball skills but does get his hands on plenty of passes because of his ability to stay in position during the route. Has the skills to play in either man or zone and has done it at a high level. Should be in the mix with the other second-round corners. - Bryan Broaddus
-- Other Possible Picks --
Kevin Johnson - CB - Wake Forest
Bryce Petty - QB - Baylor
Carl Davis - DT - Iowa
Eric Kendricks - LB - UCLA
Todd Gurley - RB - Georgia
Owamagbe Odighizuwa - DE - UCLA
Shaq Thompson - LB - Washington
Jalen Collins - CB - LSU
Devin Smith - WR - Ohio State
Melvin Gordon - RB - Wisconsin
Tevin Coleman - RB - Indiana
Byron Jones - CB - UConn
Ty Montgomery - WR - Stanford
Eli Harold - DE/LB - Virginia
T.J. Yeldon - RB - Alabama
Randy Gregory - DE - Nebraska
Chaz Green - OT - Florida
