NFL CAREER – After being selected in the second round of the 2017 NFL Draft (42nd overall) out of the University of Utah, this ball-hawking safety had a standout rookie campaign starting all 15 games he appeared in posting 70 tackles (56 solo), four interceptions and six passes defensed. Williams led all rookie safeties in interceptions and was second for rookies at his position in both total tackles and passes defensed. The talented defender with extensive range also posted the only pick made by a rookie in the 2017 postseason. Williams looks to build on his rookie season and continue to grow with one of the NFL’s most talented defensive backfields heading into 2018.
CAREER TRANSACTIONS –Signed by the Saints to a four-year contract, 6/02/17; Selected by the New Orleans Saints in the second round (42nd overall) of the 2017 NFL Draft (4/28/17).
2017 – Started in all 15 games he appeared in as a rookie, posting 70 tackles (56 solo), four interceptions and six pass deflections. Williams led all rookie safeties in interceptions and was ranked second for a rookie safety in total tackles and passes defensed. The talented safety posted his first career postseason interception, which was the only pick made by a rookie in the 2017 postseason…At Minnesota, Sept. 11, started at free safety in his first NFL game and recorded five tackles...At Carolina, Sept. 24, started in a three-safety set and made two assisted tackles, his first career interception and one pass defensed…Tied for team lead with five tackles (five solo) at Miami in London’s Wembley Stadium, Oct. 1…At Los Angeles Rams, Nov. 26, recorded six tackles (five solo)…Inactive (groin) vs. Carolina, Dec. 3...At Atlanta Dec. 7, recorded six tackles (five solo), a 12-yard interception return and a pass defensed…Started and also saw action on special teams and posted five tackles (four solo) and one coverage stop vs. New York Jets, Dec. 17…In Christmas Eve win vs. Atlanta Dec. 24, Recorded five tackles (four solo)…Finished with a career-high eight tackles (career-high seven solo), a career-high two interceptions and career-best two passes defensed at Tampa Bay, Dec. 31… Started both postseason games…In NFC Wild Card Playoff vs. Carolina, 1/7/18, recorded eight tackles (six solo) and a pass defensed…Finished with five tackles, one interception and two passes defensed in NFC Divisional Playoff at Minnesota, 1/14/18.
COLLEGE CAREER – Productive three-year letterman at Utah who became a contributor immediately and started his last two seasons for a rising Pac-12 program. An All-Pac 12 selection his final two years and he departed with 11 interceptions, including five each in his sophomore and junior campaigns. His career totals in 37 contests with 30 starts include 189 stops, four tackles for loss, 19 passes defensed, four forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries…In his final season at Utah, Williams opened all 11 games he played in and finished with 64 stops, one tackle for loss, five picks, eight passes defensed, two forced fumbles and two recoveries as he was a second-team Pro Football Focus All-American and second-team All-Pac-12 selection.
PERSONAL – Was a first-team All-Big VIII selection at Eleanor Roosevelt (Eastvale, Calif.) HS...60 tackles, six interceptions (returned for 175 yards), one pass breakup and a forced fumble senior season...41 receptions for 924 yards (22.5 avg.) and nine touchdowns on offense...216 receiving yards and two TDs as a junior…Also played basketball and competed in track and field…6’5’’ best high jump…Had a 4.0 grade point average in high school…Enjoys fishing…Participated in the club’s Chevron Boys and Girls Club Christmas party for local youth…Majored in sociology…Marcus Alan Williams was born Sept. 8, 1996 in Ponoma, Calif.
