Marquis Williams will not have to go very far for the opportunity to continue chasing his NFL dreams.
According to a report by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s Brian Batko, Williams has earned a tryout at the Pittsburgh Steelers rookie camp next weekend. He’s the fifth former Panther to receive an invite to an NFL camp, joining Malcolm Epps (Indianapolis Colts), Jake Kradel (Colts), Shayne Simon (Buffalo Bills/Philadelphia Eagles) and Tyler Bentley (Miami Dolphins).
Williams may be undersized (measuring in at 5-foot-8, 176 pounds at the Pitt Pro Day in March), but he plays a lot larger than listed. He’s a scrappy, physical cornerback — with good quickness — who will be looking for an opportunity in the slot in the NFL.
“That’s gonna be my main priority, nickel,” Williams said at Pro Day. “I heard from a lot of scouts that I can play nickel, I ain’t gonna be lined up on the outside, but I’m a DB. I can play corner, I can play nickel, I can play safety, I can move around, I’m smart with my game. So, wherever they put me, special teams, wherever it’s at, I’m gonna get the job done.”
Williams racked up 26 tackles (16 solo), 2.5 tackles for loss, an interception and four pass breakups in 2023 — bringing his career totals to 109 tackles (86 solo), 5.5 tackles for loss, six interceptions (with two returned for touchdowns), 12 pass breakups and a forced fumble.
According to PFF, Williams allowed just 15 receptions for 210 yards and no touchdowns on 26 targets this season. He didn’t allow a single touchdown in two of his last three seasons at Pitt either.
Williams played in 60 games during his career in Pittsburgh, starting every game over the last three seasons as a key cog on the field for the Panthers.
A handful of former Panthers will attempt to make NFL rosters this offseason, whether it’s NFL Draft picks, undrafted free agent signings or rookie camp invites. The Pitt defensive back pipeline is flowing this year with all three starting cornerbacks receiving NFL opportunities.
Good kid. Hope he makes it!
He should. The classic measurables might not be there, but he passes every other test. Opponents picked on him the least for good reason. The guy is a great cover man, and can tackle as good as someone much bigger. He’s just good at football.
if this kid had the prototype body, he would’ve been a first round draft pick
Williams is a talented underdog that really has a bona fide chance to make the NFL as a sleeper. He definitely plays bigger than his size. Love to see him end up with the Steelers.