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Cardinals cornerback named most underrated on roster

Originally posted on Burn City Sports
By Tanner Tortorella | Last updated May 18, 2025 6:27 PM ET

GLENDALE – The Arizona Cardinals have made flashy additions this offseason, Signing Pro Bowlers like edge Josh Sweat and defensive tackle Calais Campbell while getting a steal in the second round of the NFL draft in Michigan Wolverines cornerback Will Johnson. The defense is revamped and will be much improved compared to last year’s squad.

However, according to PFF’s Jonathan Macri, the franchise’s best weapon on defense might be a returner. Entering his third season with Arizona, cornerback Garrett Williams has quietly been the team’s best defensive back in the secondary. Macri named Williams the most underrated player on the roster, and the advanced analytics agree.

Macri on Cardinals Williams:

“Williams operated as the Cardinals’ primary slot cornerback in 2024, delivering the second-best PFF coverage grade (83.7) among qualifying cornerbacks in the regular season. He is set to once again man the slot in 2025 after allowing just a 25.9% first-down-plus-touchdown rate in coverage there this past season — tied for the seventh-best mark among 114 qualifying slot cornerbacks.

“Williams also let up just 0.67 yards per coverage snap while working out of the slot, which was a top-five mark.”

Williams counting stats are just as impressive, with nine pass deflections (1st on the team), two interceptions and one force fumble in 11 starts. 2024 was Williams first year as a consistent piece of the Cardinals’ secondary, starting 11 games for head coach Jonathan Gannon.

Much of the criticisms from last season was centered around Arizona’s lackluster pass rush. The 23-year-old cornerback’s rise in his sophomore season was a reason why the secondary didn’t get much flack because of Williams prowess in covering receiver’s in the slot.

The Cardinals defense next year has all the tools to have an elite defense. The newest members of the roster will aid in that effort, but if Williams can continue his development, then nothing will be able to stop him from being a full-time starter in 2025.

This article first appeared on Burn City Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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