With their ninth pick (No. 247 overall) in the 2020 NFL Draft, the New York Giants select Minnesota CB Chris Williamson.
After taking three consecutive linebackers, the Giants went back to working on their secondary with the addition of Williamson, who was the teammate of linebacker Carter Coughlin — another Giants seventh round pick — at Minnesota.
Here is what NFL Network draft analyst Lance Zierlein had to say about Williamson:
Williamson has good size and the body type to get even bigger as a down defender. He was used in the role of big nickel, acting as an extra linebacker near the line of scrimmage while spot-dropping into coverage underneath. He’s willing and decisive as a run defender and sees what he hits, but he doesn’t carry much stopping power. He’s lacking in reactive athleticism to track slashers in run support and cover slots man-to-man. The lack of production and subpar explosiveness could hurt his chances of being drafted or making a squad.
With the secondary suddenly becoming quite crowded, it’s unclear what sort of role the Giants may have in mind for the 6-foot, 205-pound Williamson. He can nickel, but the Giants already have Grant Haley, Sam Beal and fourth-round pick Darnay Holmes competing for that job.
One thing Williamson has going for him is a long-time friendship with Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton.
Giants fans I’ve known @Chris_Will8 my whole life this going to be a late pick y’all will love WELCOME TO NY FAM‼️ https://t.co/jkI9Iw6nVV
— Darius Slayton (@Young_Slay2) April 25, 2020
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