GLENDALE – Much of the media attention is garnered to the new faces on the Arizona Cardinals defense. General manager Monti Ossenfort signed big name Pro Bowlers like Josh Sweat and Calais Campbell to be the marquee names for the defense. However, the most important piece for next year’s defense is the continue dominance of third-year cornerback Garrett Williams. Despite Arizona’s defensive struggles, not of which were Williams fault, the 24-year-old had the highest-graded zone coverage for the 2024 season according to Pro Football Focus.
Oct 27, 2024; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Arizona Cardinals cornerback Garrett Williams (21) celebrates the win against the Miami Dolphins with fans at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images
Cardinals Williams lands at top spot in PFF rankings:
Williams is ahead of other All-Pro cornerbacks like Pat Surtain and Trent McDuffie, while being the second-youngest on the list. After being drafted 72nd overall in 2023, Williams has been an underrated piece of the team’s defense. In his rookie season, he appeared in nine games and only had one interception and two pass deflections. Departures and injuries opened up a slot for him the following year, where Williams would exploded for two interceptions, nine pass deflections and one force fumble.
Dec 15, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals cornerback Garrett Williams (21) against the New England Patriots at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Under the leadership of defensive coordinator Nick Rallis, Williams has really found his footing of being one the premier defensive backs in the league. Injuries to Sean Murphy-Bunting has now opened the door for Williams to be possibility CB1 for Rallis’ defense. However, the Cardinals newest addition in 2nd-round pick Will Johnson will be gunning for that role.
The competitive battle between Williams and Johnson is a great problem for Arizona to figure out before the start of next season. Especially with Sweat and Campbell going after the quarterback, it makes the secondary’s job much easier.
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
