Is CB Rodarius Williams on the Giants' Roster Bubble?

Rodarius Willams, Cornerback

Height: 6-foot | Weight: 195 pounds
2022 Stats: GP 3 / GS: 1, 15 Tkls, 1 Int, 2 PBU

After a four-year collegiate career at Oklahoma State, where he tallied 169 tackles, two interceptions, and 27 pass breakups, cornerback Rodarius Williams was selected by the New York Giants in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL draft.

His rookie season was cut short by a knee injury, and he spent most of the year on injured reserve. In 2022, he returned from the injury, and in Week 11, he made his season debut, tallying four solo tackles in a 31-18 loss to the Lions.

The following week at Dallas, he recorded his first career interception. The following week, he didn't play. Then he became a regular name on the inactive list until Week 18, when he made his first start in their final game against Philadelphia, against whom he recorded ten solo tackles.

Williams fits the mold of the type of defensive backs the Giants have been targeting. He's long and athletic, but the willingness to stick his nose in the play and bring ball carriers to the ground gives him a chance to survive this highly competitive defensive back battle for roster spots that will pay out during training camp.

His willingness to tackle makes him a candidate for special teams. He also should build on his efforts last season now that he has enjoyed an offseason where he was not rehabbing.

Best Case Scenario

Williams must show he can be a special teamer to sweeten the pot on his chances to make the roster. He fits the Giants' new cornerback profile, but the aesthetics are not good enough to secure a spot anymore.

Williams will have prepared himself to be his best version in training camp. It won't be enough to garner a starting position because all the players already in front of him will be difficult to jump. His work on special teams will be key to his chances at a roster spot.

Worst Case Scenario

Cornerback is such a loaded position on this team this year. Regardless of Williams's growth, he will not make this team if his talent does not fully eclipse those in front of him.

If he is just a cornerback, then his value is not as high as those who can play multiple positions in the backfield will have the advantage. If he can not be as effective on special teams as all the other players he will be competing with, he will not make this team.

Williams could simply be caught in a numbers game, and if that is the case, he will be looking for another team sooner rather than later.

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What to Expect in 2023

The road will be tough. If everyone is healthy (rarely in New York), making the final roster will be difficult for Williams. Even if a surprise player is released, there are still many other defensive backs to jump.

Adoree Jackson and rookie Deontae Banks will likely be the starters, with a battle at nickel between the incumbent Darnay Holmes and the previous two seasons' top defensive back draft picks Cordell Flott and Aaron Robinson.

Then you have free agent signing Amani Oruwariye, who will push for heavy rotation snaps if not a starting job. Then comes the people Williams will be competing with, and the likely outcome is that Williams will get his chance to show what he can do, but most likely with another team.

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