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Garrett Williams 'Used To' Being Overlooked in Secondary

Veteran now emerges as one of secondary's top veterans

The Cardinals cornerbacks will be under the microscope this season, their youth and considerable potential collected into the same prism. Garrett Williams is out front with that group, the first addition of GM Monti Ossenfort's three-year rebuild to the position who is coming off a very good season.

In part because the Cardinals have yet to win consistently in Williams' two seasons, in part because he doesn't often play outside in Nick Rallis' defense, Williams' oft-excellent play can be overlooked.

"I'm used to that," Williams said Tuesday on the back end of a workout at the Dignity Health Training Center. "It's something I've been dealing with since high school. It's nothing new so I don't put too much into it. From where I was in high school to where I am at now I feel like if I just keep my eyes on what really matters everything will work itself out."

Williams, because of his role, likely will never be the sexy cornerback. This is different than what Patrick Peterson was asked to do. But it makes it no less important in Rallis' concepts.

Williams, according to TruMedia, spent 486 defensive snaps in the slot last season, 182 at safety, only 10 as an outside corner, and 69 in various zone looks. Now that Mex Melton and Will Johnson have been the last two second-round selections, it is clear those are the players that should emerge as the outside cover guys with Williams becoming entrenched in the slot -- if he isn't already.

"I'm just ready to do whatever they ask me to do," Williams said. "That's one of the good things to say about myself is knowing I can do a lot of different things. Having that versatility to play corner, nickel and safety always leaves the door open for me to go wherever they need me."

Arizona Cardinals cornerback Garrett Williams (21) during 2025 Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
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