James Williams NFL Draft Scouting Report

Size:

Height: 6’5” | Weight: 210 lbs

Accomplishments:

All-ACC Honorable Mention (2021) • 5-star recruit

“James Williams is a physically-impressive, alignment-versatile defender that has the blend of size and athleticism to become an immediate impact starter at the next level.”

Strengths:

• NFL-ready frame 
• Alignment versatility
• Elite run defender
• Plus range
• Ball skills

Concerns:

• Flexibility in lower half
• Rapid change of direction in man

In-play Film Analysis: 

James Williams catches your eye right away as an evaluator. With elite size, the Hurricanes safety looks the part before he ever starts to showcase his burst, range, or physicality. Athletic enough to play at every level of the defense—has experience in single-high, Cover 2, inside the box, at nickel, and at inside linebacker. Has experience on special teams as well. 

Against the run, Williams combines fantastic pursuit angles with an explosive downhill burst to explode through contact. Elongated strides showcase a glider in space. Provides a throwback brand of football where he looks to knock ball-carriers off their feet. Aggressiveness does not hinder technique, however, where he shows the ability to wrap as a form tackler. He constantly looks to punch or strip the football away going to the ground, as well. 

In zone, Williams is a constant communicator with fantastic range to limit throwing windows wherever he aligns. Length showcases at the catch point and he will bait QBs into throws while sitting on the back hip of pass-catchers. Opponents are aware of his presence at the snap. Hunts for contact up the seam and is a defender to avoid on crossing routes due to his instincts and tackling ability. 

In man, Williams fires out of his backpedal, but more flexibility in his lower half is warranted to improve his change of direction. Tight ends without an expansive route tree or explosive burst are quickly phased out of the progression. Twitchier route-runners can give him issues in shallow areas (UNC), however. 

Overall, Williams is an exciting blend of athleticism and positional flex that teams will covet. His combination of size, instincts against the run, range in coverage, and enforcer mentality is unmatched in the college game.

Prospect Projection: Day 1 — Pro Bowl Caliber

Written By: Ryan Fowler

Last Updated: June 8, 2023

Exposures: North Carolina (21), North Carolina (22), Texas A&M (22), Florida State (22)

James Williams’ NFL Draft Scouting Report will be updated by Draft Network throughout the season. Add him to your big board here.