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2017 NFL Draft: Utah Marcus Williams Scouting Report

By Jon Dove

Nov 28, 2015; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Utes defensive back Marcus Williams (20) carries the ball in front of Colorado Buffaloes defensive back Ahkello Witherspoon (23) during the first half at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 28, 2015; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Utes defensive back Marcus Williams (20) carries the ball in front of Colorado Buffaloes defensive back Ahkello Witherspoon (23) during the first half at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports /
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Utah’s Marcus Williams is a safety prospect who spent most of his college career patrolling the deep middle.

Marcus Williams is a long and athletic safety prospect. He uses his overall quickness and speed to make plays from sideline to sideline. Utah asked him to mainly the single high safety role and that deep area of the field.

Williams fits this role because he has the instincts to read the quarterback and ball skills to pull down interceptions. He aggressively plays the ball while it’s in the air using his length to high-point the football.

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His strong hands also give him the ability to make some tough catches. The opposing quarterbacks need to always be aware of Williams when he’s on the field.

One area of Williams’ game that needs improvement is his run support. As a tackler, he’s a catcher and doesn’t routinely deliver big hits. He also will take some poor angles to the football and hesitate off his reads.

Utah had Williams line up around 12 yards off the line of scrimmage which impacted his ability to get involved in the run game. However, he didn’t always attack the ball carrier with tenacity which is something that will need to change.

The way Utah used him throughout his career is something he’ll unlikely do on a consistent basis in the NFL. This may lead to an adjustment period as Williams learns different responsibilities and schemes.

Overall, Williams’ ability to create turnovers and track the football make him an interesting prospect. He combines these ball skills with good size and natural athleticism. This is a prospect with a lot of upside and someone capable of developing into a difference maker.

Draft Range: 3rd Round

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