Williams started his career at Fresno State before transferring to Oregon last season. Williams was a Second Team All-PAC 12 performer and led the Ducks in tackles as a strong safety.
He proved he can play in all three levels of the defense last season after racking up 4.5 sacks and one forced fumble. He did not record an interception.
Here is my scouting report on Evan Williams
Evan Williams, S, 5-11 206, Oregon
Man to Man Coverage: Average man to man coverage skills. He has good feet and can flip his hips to stick in man coverage but struggles to carry routes vertically.
Zone Coverage: Better suited rotating as a single high over the top safety. Struggles in Cover 2 as a deep half safety. Is late reading vertical routes outside by the number one receiver.
Closing Quickness: Williams plays with good footwork and can get down hill quickly on outside runs as a run supporter. Has some good closing quickness over the top as a single high safety.
Key & Diagnose: Recognizes run quickly and fills. Needs to do a better job recognizing concepts in the passing game. He can be late at times processing route concepts.
Lateral Pursuit: Moves well laterally but does not have elite tracking speed. Cannot close consistently once he is in the trail position, especially after the ball has been caught.
Tackling: Physical tackler who wraps up and finishes. Drops his pad level and attacks the thigh board. Once he locks on, it is over.
Pass Drop: Moves well in his backpedal and can flip his hips and accelerate but he lacks high level closing speed.
Pass Coverage/Hands: A weakness in his game. He had four career interceptions at Fresno State but struggles to secure the ball in contested catch situations.
Final Report: Williams profiles more as a third safety and special teams player who can contribute on the roster. He is one of the best box safeties in the class and one of the best blitzer in the class as well. Williams met with the Patriots and he does fit what they look for in terms of safety versatility.
Draft Range: 5th-6th Round