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Garrett Williams Records Interception in First Career NFL Game

The rookie Arizona Cardinals defensive back picked off Geno Smith of the Seattle Seahawks.

Former Syracuse cornerback Garrett Williams played in his first NFL game on Sunday and made his debut memorable. Playing for the Arizona Cardinals, who selected him in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft, Williams intercepted a pass from Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith in the third quarter. The play stopped a Seahawks drive that had gone deep into Cardinals territory. You can watch the video in the embedded tweet below. 

A three time All ACC selection, Williams battled injuries over the last couple of years that resulted in him falling to the third round. Absent that, he had a shot at the first round and was a second round prospect at worst. Those injuries delayed his pro debut. 

During three seasons at Syracuse, Williams had 152 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, 2.0 sacks, 27 passes defensed, four interceptions, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery and a defensive touchdown. He led the ACC in passes defensed in 2020 with 12 as part of his Freshman All American season.

Williams is a long, physical corner who is excellent in coverage. If he can stay healthy, those skills project very well to the professional level. In fact, the Cardinals could end up getting one of the draft's biggest steals because of his ability.

Part of Syracuse's 2019 recruiting class, Williams signed with the Orange out of Hickory Ridge High in North Carolina. He picked Syracuse over offers from Appalachian State, Coastal Carolina, East Carolina, Maryland, West Virginia and several others.

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