Round 4 - Evan Williams - DB Oregon

[ReasonablySober]

No idea who this is.

[MVP2110]

Gutey loves himself some versatile Safeties

[ReasonablySober]

STRENGTHS: Plays with a physical, rugged demeanor … quick to trigger as a run defender and drives his pads through the belt buckle of his target … widens out and sinks to maintain his balance as a tackler … competitive urgency doesn’t take any plays off … strong football IQ to decipher moving parts and focus on his keys … alert to underneath zones and crossers and takes decisive angles to the catch point … has the athletic footwork to match up with ti ght ends and backs in coverage … had a high success rate as a blitzer on tape … active on special-teams coverages (466 career snaps) and has a blocked punt (2022) and blocked extra point attempt (2020) on his college resume … NFL scouts say he has a good head on his shoulders, and his personality (on the field and off) will fit well in NFL locker rooms.

WEAKNESSES: Averaged-sized, compact frame with below-average arm length … struggles to find the football once his back is turned to the quarterback (should have had a game-ending interception vs. Washington in 2023) … not as confident in his reads from deep alignment … his long speed and over-the-top range are only average … disappointing ball production his junior and senior seasons (five passes defended, zero interceptions over his last 23 games) … races outside to win the corner, opening a backdoor for cutbacks … MCL tear in his left knee (September 2022) and missed four games; right hand injury (September 2023) that caused him to miss one game; reinjured his hand and wore a bulky right club for the final three games.

SUMMARY: A one-year starter at Oregon, Williams was a versatile safety in head coach Dan Lanning’s balanced scheme. After four years at Fresno State, he transferred to Eugene for the 2023 season and led the Ducks in tackles, finishing his college career with 45 starts. Although he has the size of a free safety, Williams has the mentality of a box safety, with his disciplined run support and eagerness to drop the hammer. Though he reacts well t o front-facing throws, he has a tough time locating the ball downfield, and his coverage busts lead to big plays for the offense. Overall, Williams doesn’t have playmaking instincts in the deep half of the field, but he is an energetic field presence with a trigger and toughness that are easy to appreciate. He projects as a backup strong safety and core special teamer in the mold of Alohi Gilman.

[Matches Malone]

I like this kid. Brought him up a few times during the pre-draft process. Good athlete, but a bit on the smaller side and not a ball hawk by any means.

When I saw they moved up 15 spots, I was hoping for a boundary corner.

[ReasonablySober]

Another special teamer.

[LUKE23]

Wow I don’t like this one. I’m fine doubling down at safety but why not for Hicks? And I’d be shocked if Evan Williams wouldn’t be there at 126.

[MVP2110]

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[WeekapaugGroove]

Wow I don’t like this one. I’m fine doubling down at safety but why not for Hicks? And I’d be shocked if Evan Williams wouldn’t be there at 126.

I have no knowledge so this might be a terrible pick but I think we're past the point in the draft where we can say any player will still be available at any pick. I'm sure the 32 different draft boards vary WIDELY by this point. Not inconceivable that other teams liked Williams.

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[BucksFanSD]

With these last two picks I'm afraid we are looking too cute after a great draft last year. Fortunately, I Iike the higher picks made. The last two picks seem to me that better talent is being left on the table, especially when trading up. This doesn't make sense to me.

[coolhandluke121]

Trying to talk myself into this one, but maybe he's a guy who slipped because he didn't get any picks for a long time. DBs can have long dry spells without picks because it's an extremely volatile stat. Just as some mediocre DBs get drafted too high because they get kind of lucky with a slew of picks coming their way, surely there must be some good DBs who fall too far because of an INT dry spell?

[MVP2110]

Seems clear to me Hafley wants guys that can line up anywhere. McKinney, Bullard, Williams are all guys that can line up in the slot, box, or play the centerfield role.

[RubberSoul]

Would have much preferred OL here. These last two picks are highly questionable and remind me of the TT days of him trying to be the smartest guy in the room and reaching.


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[Matches Malone]

Pic from his draft party

[Profound23]

I don't know him so I won't hate on it. Really would've like Jordan Jefferson at that point. Perfect time to go DT.

But I'll trust the front office

[jimmybones]

Seems clear to me Hafley wants guys that can line up anywhere. McKinney, Bullard, Williams are all guys that can line up in the slot, box, or play the centerfield role.

Could totally see a Nickel or Dime package with all three of them on the field. It’s possible one of these dudes is an upgrade to Nixon in the slot

[MikeIsGood]

I don't know anything about this guy (or anyone - I very purposefully don't follow the draft anymore). But if we moved up to get a player, they obviously felt they could not get him if they stayed put, yeah? Occam's Razor, guys. I think we should have a bit more faith in, honestly, literally any draft room (not just the Packers) than to suggest they just randomly moved up without any fears or intel they could miss on their guy if they stayed put.

The pick may suck but I think logic suggests they really wanted him and didn't think they'd get him.

[Matches Malone]

Seems clear to me Hafley wants guys that can line up anywhere. McKinney, Bullard, Williams are all guys that can line up in the slot, box, or play the centerfield role.

Could totally see a Nickel or Dime package with all three of them on the field. It’s possible one of these dudes is an upgrade to Nixon in the slot

Bullard is already a better slot lol.

[jimmybones]

Seems clear to me Hafley wants guys that can line up anywhere. McKinney, Bullard, Williams are all guys that can line up in the slot, box, or play the centerfield role.

Could totally see a Nickel or Dime package with all three of them on the field. It’s possible one of these dudes is an upgrade to Nixon in the slot

Bullard is already a better slot lol.

Agreed, I have faith in Hafley to use our talent in creative and effective ways. We just added talent and it’s up to him to move the pieces around. While it may say “safety” next to these dudes names I view them as overall secondary upgrades.

[Matches Malone]

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[jimmybones]

And to add, this Williams pick makes even more sense if having a third safety you’re comfortable playing gives you the opportunity to use Bullard’s slot versatility to your advantage