New Orleans Saints: 3 Players with most to prove at training camp
3. P.J. Williams, CB
The first player who has something to prove during training camp is in that position by his own doing. Last season, the Saints utilized P.J. Williams as a starter and he was able to make plays when asked. It was unclear if the Saints would re-sign him this season or let him waltz into free agency. Everything changed when Williams was arrested for a DWI in early 2019.
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After his arrest, the Saints agreed to sign him to a one-year deal. Currently, we don’t know how many games Williams is going to be suspended. The Saints gave him a second chance and training camp is the perfect time for him to prove that he was worth it. If he can keep up the same production he had last season, then the reward will highly outweigh the risk. Regardless, there are no guarantees.
Looking at last season, Williams played in every single game but one. He finished the season with 53 total tackles, two forced fumbles and an interception. Even though he wasn’t high on the depth chart, Williams still made his mark. He has the potential to do the same thing despite his suspension.
If Williams has a good training camp, then the Saints will be justified in keeping him. If he can’t keep up and is eclipsed by rookie Chauncey Johnson-Gardener, then he might be kissing his roster spot goodbye. Ultimately it will come down to the work Williams puts in. Williams improved slightly from 2017 to 2018, so showing more progression at training camp could be enough to cement a roster spot.