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ESPN recently compiled two post-draft features for all 32 teams in the NFL, and for both of them, the part about Cleveland focused on the selection of cornerback Greedy Williams at No. 46 overall. Let’s start with Mike Sando’s article, where he gathered anonymous quotes from coaches, executives, and evaluators.
Anonymous Praise for Greedy
An executive called it a steal for the Browns to get Williams without having a first-round pick:
“Getting Greedy Williams without having a first-round pick is a steal for Cleveland. He is long, fast and disruptive and has good ball production. It is hard to complete balls on him, but there are some lapses in concentration.”
An evaluator pointed out how Williams was projected to be a Top 10 pick not too long ago, so the Browns had to of been ecstatic to get him in round two:
“People were mocking Greedy Williams to teams in the top 10 not that long ago. Some of our guys loved him, but he is on the small side and could get pushed around by NFL receivers. He has relied on his superior talent to this point and needs to prove he’s going to work at the craft. That said, Cleveland has to be ecstatic getting him where they got him.”
McShay Calls Greedy the Team’s Best Value Pick
Todd McShay wrote an article in which he highlighted the best value pick for each team in the league. That honor also went to Williams:
In a rare year in which the Browns had neither a first-round pick nor a glaring area of need, GM John Dorsey did a nice job adding talent around the AFC North division-favorite roster that he has built. Of course, Cleveland gladly hands over that missing first-rounder for Odell Beckham Jr. But the Browns still made some savvy picks, and I love what they did with their second-rounder. Cornerback was probably the position that did need some depth, and taking Williams, my 29th-best player in the class and No. 2 corner, all the way back at 46th overall is just a great get, even if some of that is luck.
I’ve talked plenty about Williams’ tackling inconsistencies. He’s what we call a buffet tackler, picking and choosing his spots. But he’s also an extremely good press corner with excellent speed and closing burst. He has the smooth hips and wheels to turn and go with just about anyone. And opposing QBs ought to be careful throwing his way; he hauled in eight picks over two seasons. In joining Denzel Ward and Terrance Mitchell, this Browns cornerback crew is going to be very difficult to beat. I love that potential young tandem of Ward and Williams.