Green Bay Packers: Tramon Williams’ presence has meant a lot to the young corners
Tramon Williams is a new, but old face to the Green Bay Packers’ secondary this season. He hasn’t been here long, but his impact has already been felt.
Head coach Mike McCarthy announced on Tuesday he was excusing 16 veterans from the final week of minicamp. Among those he listed was 35-year-old Tramon Williams who has enjoyed being back with the Green Bay Packers for his second stint. Williams is expected to be a major contributor this coming season on the Packers defense. The younger guys, in particular, have enjoyed having the veteran around for practices to better prepare themselves for the start of training camp in late July.
Williams was reunited with defensive coordinator Mike Pettine who was the head coach during his first season with the Cleveland Browns in 2015. Williams is fully aware of what Pettine expects out his defense and is relaying that message to the younger players. He’s been in there shoes before as a rookie in 2006 on the Packers’ practice squad. Williams remembers all the help he received from his mentors and knows it is his turn to pay it forward.
“Letting them know what they need to do on the field,” Williams said. “Try to get those guys to relax a little bit. Stop stressing so much. When we get on the field it’s going to become a lot easier because you can see and anticipate things on the field.”
Inexperienced players tend to get wrapped up in everything they hear whether it be from the coaches or media, without seeing the bigger picture. As an NFL journeyman, Williams wants to emphasize to them that mistakes are going to be made, but it’s important to move on as quick as possible.
So far, the young corners Kevin King, Jaire Alexander, and Josh Jackson, have done well by the veteran stating this group of guys has “potential to be special.”
Williams might be entering his 12th season in the NFL but he is still able to hold his own against fresher legs. Much to the surprise of 2018 first-round pick Alexander.
“He’s good at it, still. He moves around like me. I’m like, dang, goodness gracious,” said a wide-eyed Alexander. “So I’ve definitely been in his ear, asking him questions about how to get better.”
No. 38 won’t be looked at as just an extension of the coaching staff on the field, but a reliable cover corner with impeccable technique. Last season with the Arizona Cardinals, Pro Football Focus graded Williams as a top-10 cornerback for the 2017 season.
Tramon Williams allowed a 1.0 passer rating in man coverage! pic.twitter.com/1YJsxN6KO9
— PFF (@PFF) February 14, 2018
King, who is widely considered as the Packers best corner prospect on the roster, has enjoyed mirroring Williams on the practice field.
“He’s already taught me a lot,” King said Tuesday. “I’m eager to learn from him.”
Second-rounder Jackson has had a quiet yet constructive few weeks in Green Bay. He’s been accredited for being highly instinctual and also received praise from defensive pass game coordinator Joe Whitt Jr for his work ethic.
Joe Whitt Jr. on rookie CB Josh Jackson: He's constantly in that meeting room. He studies as much as any rookie we've ever had. When he makes a mistake, he doesn't make that same mistake again. I've been very pleased with him.
— Green Bay Packers (@packers) June 13, 2018
Like Alexander, Jackson is absorbing Williams’ savvy play in team drills and knows he’s the one to turn to should he have any questions.
“He’s meant a lot,” said Jackson. “I just watch him every day and how he practices, how he comes into the locker room, just his tempo each and every day.”
Thursday, June 14 was the Packers final minicamp practice before training camp begins July 26th.