DawgTalkers.net Forums DawgTalk Pure Football Forum Jimmy Williams cut by the Falcons

http://www.ajc.com/sports/content/sports/falcons/stories/2008/06/17/falcons_0618.html?imw=Y

The Falcons released safety Jimmy Williams Tuesday, parting with their top pick of the 2006 NFL Draft.

"It's a football decision," head coach Mike Smith said. "It's a decision we made. We've been evaluating."

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Though Williams once was perceived as a potential impact player, he never found his way with the Falcons in two seasons.

Things further declined this offseason when Williams reported to workouts weighing more than 230 pounds. He also missed two of three days of a voluntary minicamp.

From that point, Williams' role diminished further in offseason workouts until he was let go. Williams had steadily fallen to the back of the depth chart behind free-agent signee Erik Coleman, third-round pick Thomas DeCoud and two-year veteran Antoine Harris.

"I knew it could get to this point, but I wasn't sure it would," Williams told the Daily Press in his hometown of Hampton, Va. "They've been upset with my weight, but I didn't think the weight thing was a big issue. I thought they were hiding behind that. Other than that, there weren't any real disputes between me and the Falcons."

Williams, who was selected 37th overall, recorded 39 tackles and saw most of his game action on special teams during his two seasons with the Falcons.

"I never felt like I had a fair shot to show what I can do," Williams told the Daily Press. "But I'm not upset with anybody."

Williams' dismissal leaves imprisoned quarterback Michael Vick as the only player on the roster who competed collegiately at Virginia Tech - although he is under indefinite suspension by the NFL. When Williams was drafted, he joined a roster that included Vick, cornerback DeAngelo Hall, offensive lineman Matt Lehr and quarterback Bryan Randall as former Hokies on the team.

Williams, Randall and Lehr were released and Hall was traded to Oakland this offseason.

Williams also headlined a five-player draft class — the smallest in team history — that has not produced a full-time starter. That draft class followed the seven-player class of 2004, that has had six players either traded, released or not re-signed when their contracts expired. Wide receiver Michael Jenkins, the second of two first-round picks (Hall was the first) is the only player on Atlanta's roster from the '04 draft class.

After Williams slipped out of the first round in the '06 draft - he was a projected top-15 pick - the Falcons traded up in the second-round to land him.

The Falcons hoped Williams would challenge veteran cornerback Jason Webster for the starting job, but Webster held onto his spot until getting hurt. An ankle injury prevented Williams' from taking over as the starter until the end of the season.

Williams was moved to free safety last season but he could not unseat starter Chris Crocker. Things got worse when then-coach Bobby Petrino benched and de-activated Williams for two games for what Petrino said was poor play on special teams.

Disappointed with Stone Backup strong safety Daren Stone met with Smith following his arrest Sunday on a drunken driving charge. Stone participated in the next-to-last offseason practice but he did not comment on his arrest. Smith did and he was not pleased. "There isn't really anything I can say other than I'm disappointed, that is obvious," Smith said. "We're disappointed as an organization. I spoke with Daren and again, any of those conversations I would like to keep private.
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This is a guy who could be worth the pickup, even with the baggage.

I remember a ton of posters here pimping this dude a few years back, wonder if we'll take a look. IMO however, he's not worth anything other than a "1-year, prove you can play" contract.

IMO, he's exactly the type of player, in terms of potential, talent and time in the league that Phil would be tempted to go after. The issue with this guy is character.

This guy could not beat out Chris Crocker...'nuff said!!! JMHO Go Brownies!!!!

Yeah, the dude is the size of a linebacker. Who remembers Marquis Smith?

I wouldnt be surprised if we signed him. We need CB help. He wont act up here because he knows he will be cut. That might be a disadvantage for us.

after only two seasons.... not a good decision IMO by the Falcons....

They can afford to keep the guy on their team... Its not like they are just piled full of talent.

Hey, after 2 or 3 years on the recent Atlanta teams, I wouldn't want to show up either. And their immediate future isn't so bright either.

Special Teams and 8th man in the box? .. plus some depth? I'd be surprised if we didn't take a look at him.

We need CB help...possibly (I personally am not too worried) not Safety help. Williams would not do Iota to help the CB situation.

Does not seem to be the Character type that Savage would go after.

Atlanta is cleaning house...they don't need a malcontent regardless of talent let alone and underachieving talent. They are at the bottom. Just like we got rid of Warren and others when Savage/RAC came on board. Cleaning house!

And its amazing to once again see the importance of hitting on your picks in the first two rounds. Nobody has to go any further to see the demise of the Falcons as they have missed on their picks over the recent years.

Man o Man I'm so happy with Savage and getting that Monkey off our backs. Although too little too late Butch did finally hit in 04 - got to give him his due there.

JMHO - oh, and no we don't gotta get this guy

I agree..Phil thinks that teams who drafted CB's will push a existing player out in August..and that will happen..all they have to do is wait .

I think Williams would be worth a one year deal with no SB. He's not a great talent, but he can play nickelback. He's a bit heavy now, but guys like Ty Law balloon up a lot in the offseason, then shed 20 pounds before TC to get back in shape. Williams is a bit of a goon in terms of character, but I'd give him a shot.

Agreed Big C: There aint nothin like getting cut to get your "work ethics" back in line. This just might make him a little hungrier.
But... this is why Savage is who he is. Not too many any better at evaluating talent.

There are guys in the NFL who were too "lazy" by their original team, like Lincoln Kennedy in Atlanta, who move on to do well. Albeit, it's not as common, but it happens. Williams carries the typical VA Tech swagger, but he's seen what can happen (Vick, Hall, Kevin Jones) who've had the same type of problems in the NFL (having success then hitting the wall). Maybe he'll learn from it, but we'll see. I have always liked Williams though, so maybe I'm biased.