Cornerback K’Waun Williams quietly put together a great season for the San Francisco 49ers. The 2017 free agent had 54 combined tackles, 12 assists, a sack and an interception. Beyond the stats, the slot cornerback was consistent and reliable in coverage.
That being said, free agency and the draft have changed the cornerback competition, so Williams’ lock as the starting nickel back is in jeopardy, maybe. Let’s take a look at 2018 may hold for him with today’s 90-in-90.
Basic Info
Age: 27
Experience: 3 accrued seasons
Height: 5’9”
Weight: 185 lbs.
Cap Status
Williams is signed through 2020, counting for $2,268,750 against the 2018 salary cap.
How He Might Improve in 2018
Even though the 49ers added corners through free agency and the draft, I still see Williams as the starting nickel back come September. Training camp and the preseason will be important for him to keep his hold there, but most likely it will be him, Richard Sherman and Ahkello Witherspoon as the starting corners.
With more experience and talent around him, Williams promises to continue his 2017 success and improve upon it. Along with the interception mentioned above, Williams deflected five passes and was reliable in run defense. Clearly, pass coverage should be his priority, but it sure doesn’t hurt when a DB can help defend the run. His versatility is an asset.
How He Might Regress in 2018
The only way Williams regresses is if he somehow loses his starting spot in training camp. He was a great pickup for the Niners in 2017, as evidenced by his three-year extension three games into the season.
Odds of Making the Roster
The biggest thing Williams has going against him is the 49ers currently have eight corners on the roster and probably five to six spots available. If one of the bubble guys really shines in the preseason, things could get shuffled around. That being said, I stick to what I said above. Williams will make the roster and hold on to his starting job.