Saints upgrade secondary with Marcus Williams
Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports / Reuters
The New Orleans Saints have selected safety Marcus Williams out of Utah in the second round of the 2017 NFL Draft, 42nd overall.
After drafting a top cornerback talent in Marshon Lattimore with their first of two first-round picks, New Orleans went back to the secondary on Day 2 to pick up a playmaking safety to further solidify the unit.
Williams is an impressive athlete who can step in and patrol the middle of the field, helping a pass defense that allowed an NFL-worst 274 yards per game in 2016.
Playing that spot at a high level in college, Williams racked up 10 interceptions over the last two years.
Marcus Williams Bio
Position: S
School: Utah
College Experience: Junior
Height: 6-1
Weight: 202 lbs.
Strengths
- A starter throughout college career.
- Has a nose for the football with 11 interceptionss, four forced fumbles, and 19 pass defenses on his ledger.
- Tested well in vertical, broad jump at combine.
- Reads plays and routes well.
Weaknesses
- Willing tackler but not a thumper.
- Takes poor routes, angles to ball carrier.
- Does not own closing or chasedown speed.
Combine Results
| Event | Result |
|---|---|
| 40-yd Dash | 4.56 sec |
| Bench Press | 14 reps |
| Vertical Jump | 43.5 inches |
| Broad Jump | 129 inches |
| 3-Cone Drill | 6.85 sec |
| 20-yd Shuttle | 4.20 sec |