2019 NFL Draft Mock 3.0: What if the Redskins traded back?
By Ian Cummings
If there’s one area that’s given the Steelers grief in recent years, it’s their secondary. Although the linebacking core has regressed, in the wake of Ryan Shazier’s absence, the secondary, part of Mike Tomlin’s domain, has frequently been prone to disappointment.
Veteran starter Joe Haden, although still a quality cornerback, is set to turn 30 years old two weeks before the NFL Draft, and first-round pick Artie Burns hasn’t panned out how many had hoped. Like it or not, it’s looking like a serious investment in a new boundary cornerback is necessary for the Steelers. Luckily for them, one of the highest-potential cornerbacks in the NFL Draft fell to them in this mock.
Greedy Williams might not be the No. 1 cornerback in the 2019 NFL Draft class, but he has the upside to rival Byron Murphy with a little development. Williams’ length immediately stands out on the field, and he moves well for his size, possessing plus athleticism and agility.
That said, Williams does have issues with consistency, issues that prevailed increasingly in his final collegiate season. Effort is spotty on some plays, and if Williams is to take the next step in the NFL, he has to bring one-hundred percent. He’s not an ascending prospect heading into the NFL Draft, and that might hurt his stock. But the Steelers showed with the Burns selection that they’re willing to take risks on cornerbacks with development left to realize.