:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/50184243/usa-today-8918747.0.jpg)
Guys like Aaron Donald, Lesean McCoy, and Larry Fitzgerald get a lot of the spotlight when we talk about Pitt players current starring in the NFL. But another one is quietly off to a nice start to his career.
Former cornerback K'Waun Williams went undrafted in 2014 but signed with the Cleveland Browns as a free agent. As I said at the time, I could have seen him as a late round pick.
You don't need me to tell you that the overwhelming majority of undrafted free agents don't make it in the league. But Williams has bucked that trend and not only made the team, but is preparing for his third year in the NFL. Not only that but CBS Sports analyst Pete Prisco says he is among the most underrated players in the league:
K'Waun Williams FS / Cleveland BrownsWhile Joe Haden has struggled, this second-year player has impressed as a slot corner. Although only 5-9, this undrafted player has done a nice job inside as the nickel corner.
Williams has played in 13 games in each of the past two years. Last season, he was a turnover specialist of sorts, forcing three fumbles (good for 15th in the entire league) and recovering two of those (ninth in the league). He had 31 tackles with a sack as well.
One area of concern, however, is his health. Last year, he suffered his third concussion of his young career as a pro. He also missed a couple of games last year with a hamstring injury. Can't play if you're not healthy, so hopefully he's able to get squared away and avoid getting banged up too much.
Obviously, he's got a long way to go to be mentioned in the caliber of those other Pitt guys I mentioned. But as he gets ready for his third season in the NFL, it's notable that he's carving out a nice career so far.
Be sure to join Cardiac Hill's Facebook page and follow us on Twitter @PittPantherBlog for our regular updates on Pitt athletics. Follow the author and founder/editor @AnsonWhaley.