7. DeShawn Williams, defensive lineman
DeShawn Williams is poised for a “breakout” season in 2021 after a “coming out” party in 2020.
After battling his way onto the active roster in 2020 after years of being cut by multiple NFL teams, Williams made good on his opportunity and racked up 37 total tackles in 14 games with four tackles for loss, three passes defended, six quarterback hits, and an interception.
He added 10 quarterback pressures as well and solidified his role with the team moving forward.
McTelvin Agim has been another popular breakout player candidate, but it wouldn’t surprise me if Williams was the first one off the “bench” for the Denver Broncos’ defensive line, which returns all of Shelby Harris, Dre’Mont Jones, and Mike Purcell this season.
DT DeShawn Williams with a BIG BOY INT.
— NFL (@NFL) August 22, 2021
And all the @Broncos came to celebrate.#DENvsSEA | @iamdeshawnw pic.twitter.com/0KvILcnhvC
https://twitter.com/Broncos/status/1318344177546047488
Williams is a tremendous athlete who can obviously make plays both against the run and as a pass rusher, and he was anointed by Shelby Harris as having the “best hands” on the team.
Even in limited snaps, we’ve seen Williams make some truly game-changing plays on the defensive line and I think he’s due for a big breakout year in 2021.
Denver Broncos: 5 worst moves on the final 53-man roster
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Nothing against Mike Purcell, who is a fine player as well, but Williams might currently be the third-best defensive lineman on the team.