Garrett Williams Complete NFL Draft Profile (Upside Too High to Ignore Despite ACL Tear for Syracuse Cornerback)

Syracuse cornerback Garrett Williams is headed to the 2023 NFL Draft after having his 2022 season cut short by a torn ACL. These medical concerns will worry some teams, but his standout play in 2020 and 2021 are still carrying his draft stock.

Here's everything you need to know about Garrett Williams heading into the 2023 NFL Draft.

Garrett Williams Draft Stock & Mock Draft Projections

Mock draft sources accurate as of 4/27: NFL.com, ESPN, CBS, Walter Football, Sporting News.

Projected Draft Round: Round 4 (2), Round 2 (1), Round 5 (1), Undrafted (1)
Projected Team: Chiefs (1), Panthers (1), Patriots (1), Seahawks (1), Undrafted (1)

Garrett Williams Scouting Report

Garrett Williams, a cornerback from Syracuse, demonstrates a good combination of athleticism, footwork and physicality on the field. However, concerns regarding his speed over long distances and recovery from an ACL tear in 2022 may impact his draft stock.

One of Williams' most notable strengths is his trust in his technique, which has led to no penalties over the past two seasons. He also possesses impressive footwork and agility, allowing him to match routes effectively. Williams plays with smooth transitions and good balance, making him a challenge for receivers to shake off.

Williams' adequate recovery burst enables him to close out any separation that may develop during a play. Additionally, he has proven to be an effective tackler, wrapping up receivers after the catch and preventing further gains. His awareness in zone coverage is another strong point, as he demonstrates good spatial awareness and adaptability.

Despite these strengths, Williams' recovery from an ACL tear in 2022 may cause some teams to hesitate before drafting him. With continued development and proper conditioning, Williams has the potential to overcome these concerns and become a valuable addition to an NFL team.

Garrett Williams NFL Draft Prediction

As you can see above, Williams' draft stock is all over the place, with experts projecting anything from a second-round pick to going undrafted entirely. That's the nature of a scary injury like an ACL tear at a position that requires so much quick athleticism.

Williams has way too much upside to ignore, though. He'll be turning 22 years old in June, and he produced at a high level in the ACC at 19 and 20 years old. That kind of young breakout combined with his physical tools should really enamor some NFL teams.

A contender may not have the patience to spend a mid-round pick on a defender that could take a year or two to contribute, but a rebuilding team should absolutely pull the trigger on a guy who has rare upside for a mid-round pick.

Prediction: Carolina Panthers (Round 4, 132nd Overall)

Check out more NFL Draft Coverage from The Duel:

Garrett Williams NFL Combine Results

Garrett Williams Syracuse Stats

Garrett Williams Syracuse Highlights