Before the 2020 season started, it wasn’t abundantly clear who the starters in the Rams’ secondary would be. Darious Williams was a promising young player, but he wasn’t a lock to start at cornerback alongside Jalen Ramsey.
But based on what he showed at the end of 2019 and in training camp, the Rams were convinced he could play. And boy, were they right.
Williams had a phenomenal 2020 season, allowing just 39 receptions in 72 targets with four interceptions and two touchdowns given up. He allowed only 480 yards in 16 games, an average of 30 per week.
According to Pro Football Focus, Williams hasn’t allowed more than 70 yards receiving in a single game since he came into the NFL in 2018. That’s an incredible stat, even if he didn’t become a full-time starter until this past season.
Darious Williams has not allowed over 70+ receiving yards in a single game since entering the NFL in 2018 pic.twitter.com/QmeyClV9cm
— PFF (@PFF) February 12, 2021
Williams will be a restricted free agent in March and while he’s unlikely to leave, the Rams will need to make sure he doesn’t by using either the first- or second-round tender. At least then, if a team signs him to an offer sheet and they don’t match it, they will recoup a first- or second-round pick in return.
With Troy Hill also being a free agent, the Rams have to do whatever they can to retain No. 31 in the secondary.