New York Giants sixth round draft pick Rodarius Williams might go under the radar at first glance. Not only is the sixth round an unglamorous spot to be drafted in, but Williams is entering one of the most talented parts of the team. The Giants have already expanded the secondary, after all, with the big name addition of Adoree’ Jackson. However, there’s some that think the Giants are getting a good value with the selection.
Unsurprisingly, one of those people is Oklahoma State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles. He’s familiar with some of the other draft picks in Giants history, having been on the staff at Ole Miss when Eli Manning was there as well as the Duke staff during the Daniel Jones era. Unlike with Manning or Jones, however, Knowles has the experience of coaching Rodarius Williams directly as a defensive coordinator.
While speaking with Big Blue Kickoff Live, Knowles claimed that there’s something that sets Williams apart from other DBs.
“That happens to a lot of DBs – where they’re in great position, but at the end of the route, there’s that little bit of flinch, that trip, that slip. He has the ability to play through the hands to the end of the play,” Knowles said on Williams.
“He has a very calm demeanor, and that’s what you want out of a corner. He’s very calm, very confident, never loses his composure. When you have a guy like that who has the skill but he [also] has that intensity and focus to finish the play, I think you’ve got a good player.”
During his redshirt senior season, Williams only allowed nine completions and had seven pass breakups. He was named to the second team All-Big 12 for his efforts.
Entering a crowded New York Giants secondary
Williams won’t just have to deal with the usual pressures of entering the NFL. He’s also joining a team that has an especially deep secondary this season.
The Giants are bringing back James Bradberry after last season proved his wroth as a star member of the secondary, and the other side of the field will undoubtedly be manned by Adoree’ Jackson. Unlike last season, there will be less intrigue around the second cornerback spot barring injury to Bradberry or Jackson.
Further down the depth chart, Darnay Holmes is another returning name that will have the advantage of NFL experience. After being drafted in the fourth round last year, Holmes had a respectable 30 tackles with one interception and a fumble recovery. He’ll come into this season looking to build on that and protect his spot in the rotation.
The Giants also drafted another corner ahead of Williams when they took UCF’s Aaron Robinson in the third round. And Sam Beal, who opted out of last season and has less NFL experience than he should due to injuries, is still on the roster.
With a sizable amount of competition, some might wonder if Williams will even make the roster after being taken in the sixth round. That is a challenge, and the Giants aren’t afraid to move on from draft picks quickly if they aren’t panning out.
However, we can safely say there probably is some potential in Williams if he can brave this gauntlet and make it into the season on the 90 man roster.