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Dallas Cowboys 2017 NFL Draft: Five Safety Prospects

By Ronald Smith

Oct 31, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Michigan Wolverines safety Jabrill Peppers (5) holds up the brown jug after defeating the Minnesota Golden Gophers at TCF Bank Stadium. Michigan won 29-26. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 31, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Michigan Wolverines safety Jabrill Peppers (5) holds up the brown jug after defeating the Minnesota Golden Gophers at TCF Bank Stadium. Michigan won 29-26. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 10, 2015; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Utes defensive back Marcus Williams (20) intercepts a pass intended for California Golden Bears wide receiver Kenny Lawler (4) during the first quarter at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 10, 2015; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Utes defensive back Marcus Williams (20) intercepts a pass intended for California Golden Bears wide receiver Kenny Lawler (4) during the first quarter at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports /

Marcus Williams, FS – Utah

Strengths

Marcus Williams doesn’t get beaten mentally.  He appears well studied and isn’t easily fooled by play action and misdirections.  Williams plays with a great level of awareness as long as he is able to keep his eyes on the quarterback.  His feel for receivers in and around his zone is excellent and he shows the ability to close in on them when the play is headed that way.

Williams has above average athleticism along with loose hips that are a must in today’s NFL.  His change of direction ability makes it possible to cover wide receivers with success when called upon.  The added benefit is that he is adapt at tracking the ball in flight and making a play on it.

Weaknesses

The Utah Utes free safety isn’t the most physically imposing presence on the football field unfortunately.  This will cost him at the next level in terms of covering bigger wide receivers or even tight ends.  Teams will target him and take advantage of his lack of size and strength.

He is also haunted by bad angles in the run game.  Often times he is so focused on getting into the mix that he misjudges angles causing him to be beat.  If this is an issue now he will get exposed against the seasoned running backs in the NFL.

Outlook for the Dallas Cowboys

I find it hard to imagine Marcus being drafted on the first two days of the 2017 NFL Draft.  He plays a position that is in dire need of talent infusion at the next level, but he doesn’t do much to inspire.  I doubt he does much at the combine to turn heads, so I think his stock is pretty much set.

The Dallas Cowboys have a free safety in Byron Jones that is better Marcus Williams in 2017 and will be better than him moving forward.  It is possible to find players in the fourth round that will contribute much more than a small project free safety.

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