[jwplayer 28S7U2VW-ThvAeFxT]
The New Orleans Saints value versatility on defense more than most teams, eagerly trying out players at different positions to best gauge their strengths and weaknesses. One training camp standout getting a look at a new spot is defensive back P.J. Williams.
Initially lined up outside as a cornerback, Williams settled into a role with the Saints as their go-to defender over the slot. But he’s also seen action at safety, and the Saints are making a point to get him more experience there. It’s a move Saints coach Sean Payton has been pleased to see Williams handle.
“Well I like the fact that he’s smart, he’s got good ball skills,” Payton said in his conference call after practice. “He had a caused fumble today and an interception today, so he’s one of those players that has good football I.Q., so it’s good to give him some additional work. He’s also taken snaps at playing in the nickel, he’s got some versatility.”
Those two takeaways are a great sign of things to come: Williams initially forced a fumble out of backup running back Dwayne Washington, which was recovered by defensive lineman Margus Hunt, before getting in position to snatch a tipped ball from wide receiver Juwan Johnson’s hands (that was thrown by Jameis Winston). Not a bad day in the office.
Williams has appeared in 50 games for the Saints since 2017 (including the playoffs), bagging 29 pass breakups and 4 interceptions, plus a pair of forced fumbles. He first stepped into the safety spot late last season when the Saints were short-handed after injuries struck Vonn Bell and C.J. Gardner-Johnson, so cross-training him now makes sense. The Saints don’t want to get caught in a tight spot like that again.
But it remains to be seen how often Williams will line up deeper in the backfield. Gardner-Johnson (now going by “Ceedy Duce”) is just as position-flexible as Williams and free agent pickup Malcolm Jenkins, so the Saints have to figure out the best way to portion out those snaps. If nothing else, it’s great to have a strong backup plan waiting in the wings should things take a hard left swerve.
[lawrence-related id=31237,22496]
[vertical-gallery id=37025]