Cleveland Browns coaches satisfied with Greedy Williams tackling
By Dan Justik
Cleveland Browns rookie cornerback Greedy Williams received a lot of criticism in college because of his tackling, but that hasn’t been an issue in the NFL so far.
During the 2019 NFL Draft, Greedy Williams’ slide into the second round of the draft was mildly surprising. But when the Cleveland Browns saw an opportunity to draft the cornerback, they jumped at the opportunity to end his draft day slide.
Although it was a talented cornerback class, Williams slid further in the draft than many would have expected. A main cause for his slide could be attributed to his unwillingness to tackle during his time at LSU.
When the Browns selected Williams, head coach Freddie Kitchens told the 21-year-old he was going to need to tackle in the NFL. And so far, the Browns coaching staff has been impressed with Williams’ tackling.
#Browns DB coach DeWayne Walker said rookie CB Greedy Williams continues to answer the questions about his tackling. Showed he's willing to do it again Thursday night.
— Scott Petrak ct (@ScottPetrak) August 10, 2019
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In the preseason opener, Williams made two strong tackles at the line of scrimmage, including a tackle for loss. On both plays, the Washington Redskins running back attempted to run off the edge, but Williams met him there and made the tackles before the runner could gain any extra yardage.
It was a strong debut for Williams, despite being a part of a blown coverage in the first quarter, allowing the only Redskins touchdown. Despite that potentially blown assignment by Williams, his two tackles and interception certainly helped his stock as he attempts to win the No. 2 cornerback job.
Williams is competing with Terrance Mitchell to be the starting cornerback opposite of Denzel Ward. Mitchell has had an up-and-down training camp, but had a strong Saturday practice, which included an interception of Baker Mayfield. But if Williams wants to beat Mitchell for the starting job, he will certainly have to show he is a willing tackler because Mitchell is a physical defensive back who is not afraid to make tackles.
However, Thursday’s night game showed that Williams is a willing tackler. He may have issues finishing tackles due to his size, but he proved he is not afraid to make plays at the line of scrimmage.
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Williams’ performance on Thursday night should have helped his chances in the competition to be the No. 2 cornerback. Even if he does not win the job, his willingness to tackle is a great sign and should quell some of the concerns surrounding the rookie.