Why Jimmy Williams missed OTA' S

We now know why Jimmy Williams missed some of the voluntary mini camp pratices a month back. In a story on AJC he told reporters that he has had alot of family related issues in his personal life happen in the last few months that has caused him to miss time. The coaching staff has also been annoyed with his weight coming into mini camp. He weighed in at around 230lbs and the coaching staff want him down to 215lbs. Do you guys think Jimmy Williams will make the team this year? Man this guy had so much talent coming out of college I really thought he would be a good player. Demoted to 3rd string safety is not what I envisioned. However he said the coaching staff spoke with him and that they have a plan for him in mind so who knows.  

My guess would be that Mike Smith and the Falcons coaches have put Jimmy Williams at third team to help motivate him.

Williams said they "have a plan," and it may well be that if he gets down to 215 pounds and works hard, he'll be moved back up.

I don't have a problem with any of that.

When I read that article, I noted that Williams said the coaches were very supportive of him and that he gave no hint of wanting out.

All the same, he has extra challenges facing him over the next three months.  While other guys are working at getting reps and becoming comfortable with their coverage assignments, his primary focus will be on shedding girth and regaining his speed.

The bottom line is that he has a whole lot of work ahead of him to make the roster.  He's not beating out Coleman, and I'm not anticipating Milloy getting cut in a youth movement.   He's also competing with Stone and Decoud -  and his weight issues have him starting out behind both of them.  

75tranzam, that was perfect, he has had every opportunity and continues to fail, can't believe he is still on the team, one more negative word on Jimmy will be the last we hear.

We all thought Rich was a genius in the beginning and a lot think Dimitroff blew it, time always tells the truth.

Falconidiot,

Keep in mind this is Jimmy Williams third season and his third headcoach as well. He and Petrino didn't get along but same could be said for every player on the team when it comes to Petrino and how they felt about him including Warrick Dunn, and Alge Crumpler. With Jim Mora, Jimmy was a rookie and they wanted to groom him to become a corner in this league and when his oppurtunity came he hurt his ankle. Do you guys remember when Jason Webster went down and we had to insert Allen Rossum in the lineup? Why do you think they went with Rossum it's because Williams was hurt during that time.

Then came the next season and the new coaching staff thought it would be better to move Williams to the safety position. Usually to learn that position it takes some time and alot of reps which Williams didn't get under Petrino. I believe this coaching staff sees Williams potential but he has to committ to it and work hard to prove he can fullfil it. That's just my opinion but I do believe he has the talent to make this team and contribute if he can get his weight down and his mind on football. As for negative comments about him other then his weight when has there ever been one? We know now why he missed time last month and that could happen to any player.

You make a very good point, drtybyrd. There as been no consistency for Jimmy Williams in his three years with the Falcons. Three different head coaches and a whole lot of change.

I think that may be why Mike Smith and the current staff are willing to give Williams the proverbial benefit of the doubt for now.

We know why he missed? Tell us, why did he miss.

From the original post:

"In a story on AJC he told reporters that he has had alot of family related issues in his personal life happen in the last few months that has caused him to miss time."

While you dislike Jimmy Williams and want him off the team, you certainly have no way of knowing if he is telling the truth about why he missed or not. You are merely assuming that he missed the Falcons' OTA's because he was demoted to third string.

Falconidiot,

Last year doesn't count in my opinion when Bobby Petrino is your head coach. If you even looked at the man wrong you were in the dog house. So Jimmy Williams came in overweight boo hoo cry me a river players can do as they please in the offseason as long as when (TRAINING CAMP) arrives they are on time and at there playing weight. Williams by my watch has about 2 months to get down 15 pounds which he will. As for his first year he would have started at corner if he didn't get (INJURED) so do the math. I know you don't like him and mainly cause he is from Virginia Tech but he is the most talented (SAFETY) we have. However until he gets his mind in the game and his weight down we may never know. He does have to committ to football and I believe he will this year with a proper coaching staff in place.

I mean honestly who did wanna play for Petrino. Keith Brooking, and Lawyer Milloy both admitted hating to go to even practice because of him. Just give the guy a fair chance then you can rip him all you want. His first year (INJURED), his second year he had (PETRINO) need I say more plus this is his thrid coach in 3 years. But I am sure you will ramble on about how he had his chance and blah, blah, blah so go ahead and tell us how much you hate Jimmy like everyone else. Oh that is right everyone else you hated is not on the team any longer. Congrads the Falcons will be 2-12 but at least you got your way and maybe 5 years from now will win 8 games.

I strongly disagree with that assessment.   Three of McKay's first rounders were used to get John Abraham (via trade), Roddy White, and DeAngelo Hall.   Those aren't just "role players".  

Last year's second, third, and fourth round picks brought in Justin Blalock, Chris Houston, Laurent Robinson, Stephen Nicholas, and Martrez Milner.   At least three will be starters this year, possibly all five.   McKay's previous third to fifth rounders included Matt Schaub, Jerious Norwood, and Michael Boley.   Again, all of these are far more than mere role players.  

It's true that many of the 2004-2005 draft picks have since fallen out of favor, but we've had two full changes of coaching staffs since then.  Those players were selected based on the needs of Coach Mora's schemes.   

For anyone who believes McKay's drafts weren't so hot, just go back through the history of Falcon drafts and try to find a four year period that was as productive as McKay's four drafts (2004-2007).   

I'm quite serious.   Don't take my word for it.   Look it up and see it for yourself.   The difference between McKay and every previous GM the team ever had is like night vs day.   The only period that is even in the ballpark is 1977-1979.   Otherwise, most drafts produced only about two guys who ever made contributions to the team.