Atlanta Falcons: Why Avery Williams roster spot is safer than ever

The Atlanta Falcons announced that Avery Williams will be switching positions, moving him from cornerback to running back.

Williams was excellent as a special teamer during his rookie year, as he was the best kick returner in the entire NFL. He was asked to play more snaps on the defense than he should have been, and it did not go so well, which could have been a huge factor in their decision to move him.

Avery Williams spot on the Falcons’ 53-man roster should be safe

The Falcons decision to switch Avery Williams from corner to running back has made fans wonder if he will even be able to make the final 53-man roster, and it is certainly easy to see why they would think that.

During the offseason, Atlanta made numerous moves at the running back position, as they resigned Cordarrelle Patterson and Qadree Ollison, signed Damien Williams and Jeremy McNichols, and drafted Tyler Allgeier. It would make anyone wonder how a player who is just learning a new position could ever beat out those guys, but that’s just it, it does not have to beat them out necessarily.

Patterson, Williams, and Allgeier seem like locks to make the final roster, they each bring a unique skill set to the room, but so will Avery.

Before moving Williams, the Falcons lacked a small, quick, and fast running back and that is exactly what he projects to be. He should also be able to use his return skills as a runner.

Not to mention, he would have had a much more difficult time making the roster as a cornerback after the Falcons made numerous signings at the position that would have left him as the odd man out. Moving him to running back actually increases the likelihood of him making the roster.

Avery Williams is about as versatile as anyone on the roster. He was the team’s main kick and punt returner last year, which always helps when the coaches are deciding the fate of players. Without Avery, who would return kicks for the Falcons? Patterson could, but he is purely a kick returner and they also want to keep him healthy as he is a huge part of the offense.

What’s more, is that Williams lined up on the field goal block unit, punt and kick coverage unit, played slot corner, and even had a few snaps as an outside corner, as a safety, and lined up in the box.

So, let’s say that the Falcons are plagued with injuries at the cornerback spot during a game, even though he plays running back, the team knows Williams could also play corner in an emergency. That could be a huge factor in their decision to keep him around.

Do not worry about Avery Williams’s fate with the team, as he will be able to fill a variety of roles for the team that no one else can and that should keep him around for the long run.