Rams Williams flying under the radar

The 5-9, 187 pounder played in 17 games last season and drew the attention of Pro Football Focus considers him to be one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL heading into the 2024 season.

Earl Heath

Contributing Sports Writer

Darious Williams was a solid off season signing for the LA Rams. He is returning to the City of Angels for a second stent. Williams left the Rams in 2022 to sign with Jacksonville and return home to Florida. After a mediocre first year he played at a high level in 2023.

The 5-9, 187 pounder played in 17 games last season and drew the attention of Pro Football Focus considers him to be one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL heading into the 2024 season.

PFF released the top 32 cornerbacks in the league and Williams came in high on the scale at: No. 11. That’s only five spots lower than former Rams cornerback Jalen Ramsey and one spot higher than L’Jarius Sneed, who was traded to the Titans this offseason for a third-round pick.

 They decided to bring back the talented cornerback after he was released by the Jaguars, signing him to a three-year deal worth $22.5 million.

The UAB alum has been one of the league’s best at preventing separation for several years now, but the grades finally caught up with him in 2023. His 85.3 coverage grade ranked tied for fifth among his peers, and now he returns to Los Angeles, where he posted an 81.9 grade in 2019 and an 81.5 grade in 2020.

Williams had one of his best seasons yet in 2023, earning an overall grade of 79.5 – the second-highest of his career. His 85.3 coverage grade was also the best he’s had in the NFL and was tied for fifth at his position – largely thanks to the fact that he only allowed two touchdowns and gave up a completion rate of just 59.3%.

He will be a fixture starting or giving depth to the Rams defensive backfield.