Avery Williams was selected by the Atlanta Falcons in the fifth round in the NFL Draft. He will get a chance to make an immediate impact as a return specialist, but his role could expand from there.
While at Boise State, Williams led the nation in kick return yards in 2020, and he was third in punt return average at 15.3 per return.
Head coach Arthur Smith spoke about the role Williams could have with the Falcons after the first day of rookie camp.
“We put him in the DB room, so we expect him to be competing in there, and then obviously on fourth down. That’s where we want him to have an impact,” said Smith alluding to Williams’ ability as a punt returner. “I’m just stating the obvious when we drafted him.”
“If he can handle that, like all these guys, if they can handle the role that they’re given, we can expand it.”
Williams played as a corner all four years at Boise State. He finished his career with 152 tackles and four interceptions. His best season may have been his sophomore year with the Broncos when he had 49 tackles, two interceptions, nine passes defended and three forced fumbles.
Williams should provide an immediate upgrade in the return game. The Falcons finished 25th in the NFL in punt return yards and 31st in kick return yards in 2020.
Day 1 Rookie Camp Highlights
Day 2 Rookie Camp Highlights
