Cleveland Browns: Greedy Williams a good bet for Defensive Rookie of the Year

Second round cornerback Greedy Williams of the Cleveland Browns may be a smart bet to win Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2019.

Pardon me, hot take coming through. The player with the best chance to win Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2019 is Greedy Williams, second-round cornerback of the Cleveland Browns. While Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ linebacker Devin White will record a ton of tackles and Nick Bosa and Josh Allen have a chance to wreak havoc on opposing backfields, Williams may be the sleeper to take home the trophy.

After trading their first-round pick away for Odell Beckham Jr., the Browns waited until the 46th pick in the draft to trade up and land the LSU standout, Williams. During his time with the Tigers in college, Williams recorded eight total interceptions and 19 passes defended in two seasons as a significant contributor.

Williams measured in at the combine at 6-1.5 and 182 pounds; his arm length was measured at nearly 32 inches. With this long, tall frame, Williams will have the ability to body bigger receivers around the league off of the line of scrimmage and down the field, with high point footballs with ease.

He went on to run a blazing 4.37-second 40-yard dash at the combine, coming up limp and choosing to call it a day. At his pro day, Williams posted a 36-inch vertical jump and over a 10-foot broad jump, displaying good explosion on top of his elite speed.

Why though, is Williams a good bet to win Defensive Rookie of the Year? As talented, athletic, and skilled as Williams is, his probability to win the award is more due to the amount of talent surrounding him.

The defensive front of the Browns got much better this offseason with the additions of Sheldon Richardson and Olivier Vernon. They bring back breakout performer Larry Ogunjobi and oh, superstar Myles Garrett as well to anchor their defensive line. Opposing quarterbacks will no longer have all day to throw the football against the Browns, and when they do throw the ball, they’ll have a hard time finding an open receiver.

Williams already is receiving first-team reps across from last year’s fourth overall pick and Pro Bowler Denzel Ward. When opposing quarterbacks release the ball quickly to avoid the Browns’ promising pass rush, Ward has already solidified himself as a lockdown cornerback, so they’ll probably look away from him.

Leaving Williams with plenty of opportunities to get his hands on footballs. NFL award voters love shiny stats, and there is none shinier from a player in the secondary than interceptions. As quarterbacks will look to avoid throwing to Ward, Williams — assuming he is healthy and starting — will have a chance to make plays for the Browns.

In the past four years, two cornerbacks have taken home the award in Marshon Lattimore and Marcus Peters, so cornerbacks are favored in terms of the award. Should Williams take advantage of the opportunities presented to him, he could be the next corner added to the list.

While the Browns look good on paper and Williams only adds to that talent, they have to put it together on the field. Williams’ should be the direct benefactor of the star potential up front and from his running mate Ward. While the odds are in your favor, bet big on Greedy to win Defensive Rookie of the Year.