2024 Round 4, pick 111: Evan Williams, S, Oregon

[Poppa San]

Another safety?

 

[Dantés]

Why He Will Succeed: Williams coverage limitations will be mitigated by playing next to McKinney, allowing him to do more box work than deep coverage. In this role, his tackling and box work will allow him to make plays.

Why He Would Fail: Even in a limited coverage role, Williams can't hang and he misses too many tackles in the box to boot.

My Guess: I think Williams and Bullard will share the majority of the snaps at safety across from McKinney. Bullard will move to the slot in big nickel, but play the safety spot in certain pass-happy games or situations.

Upside Comp: I've seen a lot of Alohi Gilman, but I like Julian Blackmon.

 

[DoURant]

Evan Williams will wear his college #33... going to be strange seeing that # on the defensive side of the ball again.

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[Half Empty]

Getting this same kind of info on another site. Don't remember the assignment of numbers being this big a deal before. Did I miss something? Just wondering.

 

[DoURant]

Getting this same kind of info on another site. Don't remember the assignment of numbers being this big a deal before. Did I miss something? Just wondering.

Some fans just like to know, whether it be so they can order a jersey, or in the larger picture, that's what you see on the field are numbers, more than names. As for players, a number means something to them in most cases, that's why you see guys pay others to try to get a certain number, if it's taken already, or switch if it becomes available. Sometimes it might have been their high school, or college number. Just some additional information to put out there on these newest members of our Packers Team.

 

[Half Empty]

Thanks, I understand most of that. Just don't remember it being that big a deal in the forums. Carry on.

 

[Poppa San]

Thanks, I understand most of that. Just don't remember it being that big a deal in the forums. Carry on.

A big deal would be attempting to wear #42 in MLB on any team.

 

[Thirteen Below]

Turns out Evan Williams has a knack of getting into the other team's backfield. I learned today that in 2023, he was on the field for 20 passing plays, and of those 20 snaps, he had5 hurries and 4.5 sacks. That's one of the best ratios in the country. Also, 5 tackles for loss.

And, like Kitan Oladapalo, he's already become good friends with the Bear's new quarterback, Caleb Wiliam (who certainly seems to like hanging onto the ball; he may pay dearly for that habit).

Here he is sacking Caleb and stripping hhim of the ball, and then another shot of hi recovering a second Williams fumble....

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[Thirteen Below]

I think I'm going to like this guy. He's already shown Caleb who's gonna be his daddy.

 

[OldSchool101]

I think I'm going to like this guy. He's already shown Caleb who's gonna be his daddy.

Yes. Even better I read he actually led the PAC-12 in pressure rate. He wasn’t asked to Rush the QB often, but when he did he graded Elite. 12.5 pressures on 20 snaps, including those 4.5 SACKS you mentioned.
From what I can tell he grades Great-Near Elite in short spaces. Conversely though, in Big Spaces, he’s Slightly below average. So what I’ve extracted from that is if he’s used in Specific Roles he’s Ultra effective. Evan has a keen awareness for finding holes and exploiting them using instinctive play timing. Often using a mini delay and then using short area burst to overwhelm in surprise fashion. Evan has very average long speed, but his 5-10 yard closing speed is Excellent. Very few athletes jump 40.5 Vertical 126” Long and those are attributes that pair with burst.

He’s also one of the most experienced Safeties logging over 1,300 College snaps across 5 years and 2 Programs. Oregon not only welcomed him from Fresno State, but recognized that and gave him increased workload as a 5th year Senior. He was already graded a good ST player prospect to Good backup Safety NFL grade a year ago. This year I read he was NOT the most talented Safety, but invoked interest from a dozen teams most notably Raiders and Packers. They had eyes on him in the Scouting community at the Combine and Senior Bowl. He graded out as the #1 Safety at the Senior bowl this year and was one of the Top stand out “impressive” players. Afterwards graded Most Pro Ready Safety in Class by a National NFC scout

I read most of that after the selection. Initially he seemed to me such a reach so I wanted to know more about why we would trade up 15 spots in Round 4 to #111. Imo. Brian was already sniffing Evan Williams at #88-91 but there were some other players we had graded top 50-75 still available. Once he got in ear reach of calling his name in that 100+ range I think we were excited to not have to spend a 3rd Rounder on him.

He's a Football magnet. Always around that football.

 

[Krabs]

I really think they drafted Williams to start at safety next to McKinney and will move Bullard into the slot. Bullard is that versatile and Williams is more of a true safety. What I read, or heard, was that Oladapalo was too good to pass up at the draft spot he fell to. They had him graded that highly. It really looks like we have some insurance with the safety spot with a good veteran to help guide the safety spots. I still wish they would have drafted DL somewhere, but we have complained about safety long enough. Glad they addressed the need.

 

[OldSchool101]

I really think they drafted Williams to start at safety next to McKinney and will move Bullard into the slot. Bullard is that versatile and Williams is more of a true safety. What I read, or heard, was that Oladapalo was too good to pass up at the draft spot he fell to. They had him graded that highly. It really looks like we have some insurance with the safety spot with a good veteran to help guide the safety spots. I still wish they would have drafted DL somewhere, but we have complained about safety long enough. Glad they addressed the need.

I was initially thinking 1 surprise pick at DL. I think they factored in that we have a pretty stocked shelf
Just added in 2023 2 DL (Wooden/Brooks) + Van Ness, at 6’5 27-275lb. Now that we’ve drafted 2 more really good LB’s I think THEY think the shelves are stocked.
Rashan Gary (6’5 X 280lb)
Preston Smith (6’5X265lb)
Devonte Wyatt (6’3X305lb)
Kenny Clark (6’3X315lb)
Lukas Van Ness (6’5 x275lb)
TJ Slaton (6’4 X 335lb)
Karl Brooks (6’3 296lb)
Colby Wooden (6’4 X275lb)
Brenton Cox (6’4X250lb)
Kingsley Enagbare (6’4X260lb)
Jonathon Ford (6’5 340lb)
Spencer Waege (6’5 X 295lb)

As we get a closer look, it’s a pretty good lineup of guys who can all play across that DL with lots a versatility mix. What’s more prominent is I think they expect some growth this year on Brenton Cox Jr, Devonte Wyatt, Van Ness and Jonathan Ford and possibly Waege.. Probably don’t want to overlap there too much or maybe bring in a couple Undrafted to compete at the bottom there?

 

[SudsMcBucky]

Gotta like him for just the name alone.

 

[Krabs]

I was initially thinking 1 surprise pick at DL. I think they factored in that we have a pretty stocked shelf
Just added in 2023 2 DL (Wooden/Brooks) + Van Ness, at 6’5 27-275lb. Now that we’ve drafted 2 more really good LB’s I think THEY think the shelves are stocked.
Rashan Gary (6’5 X 280lb)
Preston Smith (6’5X265lb)
Devonte Wyatt (6’3X305lb)
Kenny Clark (6’3X315lb)
Lukas Van Ness (6’5 x275lb)
TJ Slaton (6’4 X 335lb)
Karl Brooks (6’3 296lb)
Colby Wooden (6’4 X275lb)
Brenton Cox (6’4X250lb)
Kingsley Enagbare (6’4X260lb)
Jonathon Ford (6’5 340lb)
Spencer Waege (6’5 X 295lb)

That’s a pretty good lineup of guys who can all play across that DL. What’s more prominent is I think they expect some growth this year on Brenton Cox Jr, Devonte Wyatt, Van Ness and Jonathan Ford and possibly Waege.. Probably don’t want to overlap there too much or maybe bring in a couple Undrafted to compete at the bottom there?

I can't argue any of that. I just thought one DL out of the draft would be nice. Again, can't argue this.

 

[tynimiller]

I was initially thinking 1 surprise pick at DL. I think they factored in that we have a pretty stocked shelf
Just added in 2023 2 DL (Wooden/Brooks) + Van Ness, at 6’5 27-275lb. Now that we’ve drafted 2 more really good LB’s I think THEY think the shelves are stocked.
Rashan Gary (6’5 X 280lb)
Preston Smith (6’5X265lb)
Devonte Wyatt (6’3X305lb)
Kenny Clark (6’3X315lb)
Lukas Van Ness (6’5 x275lb)
TJ Slaton (6’4 X 335lb)
Karl Brooks (6’3 296lb)
Colby Wooden (6’4 X275lb)
Brenton Cox (6’4X250lb)
Kingsley Enagbare (6’4X260lb)
Jonathon Ford (6’5 340lb)
Spencer Waege (6’5 X 295lb)

As we get a closer look, it’s a pretty good lineup of guys who can all play across that DL with lots a versatility mix. What’s more prominent is I think they expect some growth this year on Brenton Cox Jr, Devonte Wyatt, Van Ness and Jonathan Ford and possibly Waege.. Probably don’t want to overlap there too much or maybe bring in a couple Undrafted to compete at the bottom there?

What could play out is next year we are stocked but that tippy top shelf is in need of attention...now that could be done by a guy or two stepping up and making it viable to move them up but Clark and Slaton both could be done after this year and each play a very specific level and/or role which we don't presently have a clear successor for. Wyatt is of course perhaps the replacement for Clark and Ford for Slaton but each have to show that this year in a big way!

 

[OldSchool101]

What could play out is next year we are stocked but that tippy top shelf is in need of attention...now that could be done by a guy or two stepping up and making it viable to move them up but Clark and Slaton both could be done after this year and each play a very specific level and/or role which we don't presently have a clear successor for. Wyatt is of course perhaps the replacement for Clark and Ford for Slaton but each have to show that this year in a big way!

It just seems like 2024 would be the year Wyatt and rises. If not we’ll be in need of an addition. Also we could use 1 more 315+ type player if Clark goes.

Not to get too off base here, but Wyatt’s snap count almost exactly doubled. Yet his production more than doubled
15 (2022) to 36 Tackles (2023)
8 (2022) to 18 Assists (2023)
From 0 TFL to 6 TFL
From 3 QB hits to 11
From 1.5 Sacks to 5.5 Sacks

If Wyatt can get another similar production jump in 2024 I think he can at least be Kenny on a more average performance day. It’s Van Ness and Karl Brooks that I think have beaucoup upside. Not sure how Waege will adapt from an FCS program, but he was a man among boys for SDS, one of the more dominant players in FCS play.

All these moving parts are interrelated to LB/Safety play. It’s not hard to imagine how downhill guys like Evan Williams or Ty’ron Hopper benefit from that disruption. The confusion caused by these Aggressive fronts (ala Darius Robinson) causes time delay stress on opposing play design. That takes a player who’s sharp in short area burst and intuitive in shooting gaps (and finish ability) into overdrive. Not to mention forcing off timing throws.
We saw how it = the Dennis Rakestraw types to finish the sentencing. Thats something the Packers have not bought into as much in the past. We have been a team disjointed with aggression upfront and playing on our heels behind it. It literally wears out the D Front with modest results.
In 2024 already, we can see the transformation of our Defense in the style players we acquired. Multiple LB’s and Safeties who have varying skill sets. Yet all of them hold either leadership (assertive) skills or increased College Experience (or meaning both can be true). These players are almost exclusively DOWNHILL types. This draft has
WIN NOW written all over it.

Once again. I believe Evan Williams was a Top 75-100 area prospect on our board. No way do you move up 15 spots unless you think he’s falling hard. I’m guessing Evan was regarded by GB in that 90’s overall draft prospect and what we saw a bonafide 3rd Round prospect possibly not making it to us at #126 overall. Knowing that’s likely true.. the Packers have to feel good about acquiring 6 Top 100 prospects. That’s a real treat.

 

[tynimiller]

It just seems like 2024 would be the year Wyatt and rises. If not we’ll be in need of an addition. Also we could use 1 more 315+ type player if Clark goes.

I don’t even think clark plays at that. Hefley system uses smaller moveable lineman but ford or slaton or a new plugger for sure is a piece we need. I almost think there is a better chance Slaton gets small extension before Clark does.

Clark is I argue the hardest contract decision Gute has had to make last five years. There are rare lineman well worth another massive contract….but many across the league do one to many and they end up being traded or cut before the end of a contract as they finally started hitting Father Time wall.

 

[Krabs]

It just seems like 2024 would be the year Wyatt and rises. If not we’ll be in need of an addition. Also we could use 1 more 315+ type player if Clark goes.

Not to get too off base here, but Wyatt’s snap count almost exactly doubled. Yet his production more than doubled
15 (2022) to 36 Tackles (2023)
8 (2022) to 18 Assists (2023)
From 0 TFL to 6 TFL
From 3 QB hits to 11
From 1.5 Sacks to 5.5 Sacks

If Wyatt can get another similar production jump in 2024 I think he can at least be Kenny on a more average performance day. It’s Van Ness and Karl Brooks that I think have beaucoup upside. Not sure how Waege will adapt from an FCS program, but he was a man among boys for SDS, one of the more dominant players in FCS play.

Waege went to NDSU. He was part of the Bison. But yes, one of the dominant FCS teams. I attended SDSU who just came off of back to back FCS championships. There's some good football being played in the Dakotas. I've been to more FCS games than any man should. To be fair, there's nothing else to do there.

He also played for the 49ers last season, so does have NFL experience. I like the pickup.

All these moving parts are interrelated to LB/Safety play. It’s not hard to imagine how downhill guys like Evan Williams or Ty’ron Hopper benefit from that disruption. The confusion caused by these Aggressive fronts (ala Darius Robinson) causes time delay stress on opposing play design. That takes a player who’s sharp in short area burst and intuitive in shooting gaps (and finish ability) into overdrive. Not to mention forcing off timing throws.
We saw how it = the Dennis Rakestraw types to finish the sentencing. Thats something the Packers have not bought into as much in the past. We have been a team disjointed with aggression upfront and playing on our heels behind it. It literally wears out the D Front with modest results.
In 2024 already, we can see the transformation of our Defense in the style players we acquired. Multiple LB’s and Safeties who have varying skill sets. Yet all of them hold either leadership (assertive) skills or increased College Experience (or meaning both can be true). These players are almost exclusively DOWNHILL types. This draft has
WIN NOW written all over it.

Once again. I believe Evan Williams was a Top 75-100 area prospect on our board. No way do you move up 15 spots unless you think he’s falling hard. I’m guessing Evan was regarded by GB in that 90’s overall draft prospect and what we saw a bonafide 3rd Round prospect possibly not making it to us at #126 overall. Knowing that’s likely true.. the Packers have to feel good about acquiring 6 Top 100 prospects. That’s a real treat.

Totally agree! GPG!