With The First Pick
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NFL Draft: Five rookies who had quietly strong seasons in 2017

By Maxwell Ogden

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - JANUARY 14: Marcus Williams #43 of the New Orleans Saints runs with the ball after a interception against the Minnesota Vikings during the second half of the NFC Divisional Playoff game at U.S. Bank Stadium on January 14, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - JANUARY 14: Marcus Williams #43 of the New Orleans Saints runs with the ball after a interception against the Minnesota Vikings during the second half of the NFC Divisional Playoff game at U.S. Bank Stadium on January 14, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /
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Marcus Williams, New Orleans Saints

Drafted: Round 2, Pick 42
Position: Safety
Season Statistics: 15 games played, 73 tackles, 4 interceptions, 7 passes defended
Pro Football Focus Grade: 86.8

The New Orleans Saints fielded the Offensive Rookie of the Year and the Defensive Rookie of the Year. Between Alvin Kamara’s elite playmaking ability and Marshon Lattimore’s dominance in coverage, it became difficult to mention any other rookies on the team.

That’s an unfortunate reality for Marcus Williams, who turned in one of the better rookie seasons by a safety in quite some time.

Williams emerged as one of the few safeties in the NFL who excelled against both the run and in pass coverage. He missed just two tackles in run defense, and was one of the best safeties in the NFL as far as pass coverage is concerned.

Williams may not have been the most heralded rookie in the NFL, but he deserved far more attention than he received during the 2017 season.

Williams played 44 cover snaps per target, which ranked third in the NFL amongst safeties. He ranked second at his position at an insane 114.4 cover snaps per reception allowed, drawing just 13 targets and allowing just five receptions on 572 snaps.

New Orleans secured one of the greatest draft classes in NFL history, and Williams deserves credit for playing at a star-caliber level from day one.

Must Read: Pros and cons of drafting Lamar Jackson to play quarterback

In an NFL season that was flush with stellar performances by first-year players, these rookies somehow managed to fly under the radar.

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