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.