When it comes to the NFL draft, Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots are the most difficult team to predict. You think they'll go out and address their "major needs," but Belichick will select the player with the greatest value.
With Belichick's consistent draft style, if Texas cornerback Aaron Williams slips to New England at 28th or 33rd overall, Belichick will have a hard time passing on him.
NFL Combine Results
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 192 lbs.
40-yard dash: 4.56
Vertical jump: 37.5
Three-cone drill: 6.72
Draft projection: Late first-early second
Strengths
With his tall, athletic frame, he can compete with any receiver the opposing offense throws at him. Williams uses the sideline to his advantage and does a great job of boxing out receivers and forcing them to a narrow route.
He has a great field-sense—he can "feel" what's going on around him while he's in coverage. Williams can break away from his receiver once the ball is headed to a different receiver.
Williams is a great blitzer, and is one of the draft's best run-stopping corners.
During his career at Texas, Williams not only started 18 games at cornerback the last three years, despite playing with Curtis Brown and Chykie Brown, he played a lot of special teams. In his career at Texas, Williams managed to block an incredible five punts.
Williams is a tremendous athlete with playmaking abilities.
Weaknesses
Williams needs to improve his tackling skills. Like many secondary players coming out of college, he lacks good form tackling skills. Williams needs to grasp the idea of tackling with the body, rather than the arms, to excel at the next level.
Although being 6'1", he still isn't 200 lbs., meaning he will get washed out by bigger receivers if being blocked.
Conclusion
Williams looks to be a player that Belichick will have his eyes on. With Williams' great skill set, he's got all the intangibles that fit the "Patriot-mold."
If the Patriots do call his number on draft day, Williams will likely find an immediate role in New England's sub-packages such as a nickel corner.
NOTE: This article was first seen at PatriotsPlus.net. Be sure to follow Tony Santorsa on Twitter @ TonySantorsa
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