The nation doesn't know what Arizona Cardinals fans know, but they're about to find out.
Garrett Williams, Arizona's third-year cornerback out of Syracuse, is one of the most underrated players in the NFL. Coming off of a stellar 2024 season, he's set to make himself known in 2025.
Garrett Williams listed as Arizona Cardinals' most underrated player
In a recent article, PFF analyst Jonathon Macri named the most underrated player on each NFL team. Garrett Williams was the obvious choice for the Arizona Cardinals.
Williams' value isn't lost on Cardinals fans. After suffering an ACL tear in his final collegiate season, Williams fell all the way to the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft. The Cardinals took him in what would turn out to be one of the biggest draft steals of that year.
Garrett Williams was limited in his rookie year, starting only six games and appearing in nine. He played primarily as a slot corner, showing flashes of greatness while adjusting to the pace of the league.
In 2024, Williams quickly became one of the best slot cornerbacks in the NFL. He recorded two interceptions, six deflections, and 58 tackles. Williams earned a coverage grade of 83.7 from PFF, which ranked second among cornerbacks. Along with safety Budda Baker, Williams held together a defensive unit that was severely lacking in talent.
Somehow, Williams missed out on the Pro Bowl selection that he clearly deserved.
In 2025, he's set up to prove that he belongs among the league's defensive stars.
The Arizona Cardinals struggled to put any kind of pressure on opposing quarterbacks last season. In fact, Zaven Collins led the team with just five sacks. Passers had time to sit in the pocket and take advantage of any sliver of space their receivers were able to create. Both Garrett Williams and Budda Baker played at a high level, but they could only do so much.
This offseason, the Cardinals have spent most of their resources on building up their defensive front. Josh Sweat, Dalvin Tomlinson, Walter Nolen, and Jordan Burch have all been added to the roster. The Cardinals' front seven should at least be an average unit, if not a great one.
If Arizona's new star pass rushers can play at a high level, opposing quarterbacks will be forced to make rushed decisions, allowing players like Garrett Williams to shine. Williams may be underrated now, but he won't be for much longer.