It's only preseason, but Saints’ P.J. Williams looks like a star

We were likely all excited when the Saints selected Florida State cornerback P.J. Williams in the 3rd round of the 2015 NFL draft. Many had a 1st round grade on him, and he played at a position of need for the Saints coming off an atrocious 2014 season. Unfortunately, he sat out his entire rookie year with a hamstring injury and suffered a severe concussion last season in the second game of the season against the Giants. Again, an injury that kept him out for the season.

So entering this preseason, Williams only had 5.5 games on his resume (if you include preseason). That is basically nothing for a guy who is expected to line up at the No. 1 CB spot. As a result of this, most of us fans didn't know what to expect from the third-year pro entering this year, but we all knew he had to show that he could be that guy, and boy has he shown it.

Through three games, P.J. Williams has essentially locked down every receiver he has faced. Against the Texans, he saw 4 targets from quarterbacks, but he only allowed 1 reception which went for a negative gain (-1 yard).

Not only has his coverage been on point, but his run defense has also been very impressive. He has shown great technique and currently has 9 tackles, tied for 4th on the team.

Pro Football Focus has also noticed Williams' great play and wrote this before the game on Saturday.

"Heading into the third preseason game P.J. Williams has set the pace among this group. Williams has earned starts in both games playing 64 total defensive snaps and has been the highest graded player on the team so far earning an 84.9 overall grade, which ranks fifth among all cornerbacks this preseason. He has allowed just 0.63 yards per cover snap."

It is only preseason, but Williams has shown just about everything we could have hoped to see. The competition he has faced is obviously not as tough as it will be in the regular season, but he is currently dominating everything that has been put in front of him.

If he can stay healthy, then the Saints could finally have the star they have been looking for in the secondary.