49ers’ 2018 ‘Who Is?’ series: Safety Terrell Williams
By Peter Panacy
Niner Noise’s 2018 “Who Is?” series looks at San Francisco 49ers undrafted free-agent safety Terrell Williams and projects whether or not he makes the 53-man roster this season.
The San Francisco 49ers picked a couple of undrafted free agents out of Houston following the 2018 NFL Draft, wide receiver Steven Dunbar and safety Terrell Williams.
Williams, a two-year starter for the Cougars, joins a pretty deep cast of defensive backs the Niners picked up this offseason. As a result, he’ll be hard pressed to make the 53-man roster. Yet there are a number of intangibles that may increase his chances this training camp.
Standing at 6-foot-4 and 212 pounds, Williams has excellent size for the position. He flashed some impressive numbers his senior season too — logging 66 total tackles and four interceptions:
Provided by CFB at Sports Reference: View Original Table
Generated 7/12/2018.
And while NFLDraftScout.com listed him as a free safety, his big-bodied stature suggests he’d be adept to playing closer to the line of scrimmage in a strong safety role.
With a number of depth questions at the position, there’s a strong possibility the 49ers look to Williams to be one of the next developmental pieces to round out the 53-man roster.
Perhaps as early as his rookie season.
Why Terrell Williams Improves in 2018
There isn’t a lot, insofar as scouting reports, on Williams. His NFL.com draft profile is all but blank, although he did run a 4.56 40-yard time at his pro day. While it’s a shade higher than what most coaches would like for a defensive back, Williams’ size helps make up for the lack of straight-line speed.
There is some tape on Williams, though, and it’s pretty impressive:
Sure, they’re highlight reels and every rookie has one of those. But you can catch one of his four interceptions early. It’s pretty impressive.
When he times it right, Williams can lay some thump as a hard-hitting free safety. And from what I saw, he’s typically able to stay with guys he’s covering and doesn’t shy away from tackling ball carriers.
Again, just highlights, though.
Why He Regresses
Williams could solely be insurance for fellow rookie safety, Marcell Harris, out of Florida. Harris suffered an Achilles injury in 2016, although one would believe he’s in line to be a backup to starting strong safety Jaquiski Tartt this season.
Assuming Harris is good to go, Williams will likely spend a lot of time working with the third-team unit, which won’t garner anywhere near the attention of the coaching staff.
Chances of Making the 49ers’ 53-Man Roster in 2018
He’s probably on the weaker side of the bubble right now, particularly given the number of young defensive backs on San Francisco’s offseason roster. But Williams could win out based off his impressive ballhawking abilities showcased a year ago. If those continue in training camp and into the preseason, his chances increase dramatically.
And the Niners haven’t had a true ballhawk defensive back for some time now.
A lot of it will depend on how the 49ers want to set up their depth chart. As with most backups, the ability to display versatility and double on special teams will be vital. Williams’ tackling abilities should help here, as should the flexibility to operate out of both safety positions.
Next: 49ers 2018 offseason positional preview: Safety
Overall, don’t be fooled by the small-school pedigree. Williams’ upside is worth taking a hard look at this camp and preseason. If he takes advantage of the opportunities given, it wouldn’t be a shock to see him crack the back end of the 53-man roster.