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Denver Broncos’ DeShawn Williams has become impactful player

Nicholas Manning
Denver Broncos defensive end DeShawn Williams (90) celebrates with teammates, including safety Jamar Johnson (41) after recovering a fumble against the Seattle Seahawks during the second quarter at Lumen Field.

Aug 21, 2021; Seattle, Washington, USA; Denver Broncos defensive end DeShawn Williams (90) celebrates with teammates, including safety Jamar Johnson (41) after recovering a fumble against the Seattle Seahawks during the second quarter at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

The Broncos had some questions up front, but now we have answers.

DeShawn Williams came to the Denver Broncos as a depth signing in 2020. Fast forward a season and he has become much more than a rotational piece, Williams has developed into an impact player.

The former Clemson product went undrafted in 2015. Williams’s lack of size at 6’1” and 292 pounds cast him as a misfit along the defensive front. Many saw him as too small to play inside and not long enough to play over the offensive tackle.

The former three-star high school recruit landed with the Cincinnati Bengals as an undrafted free agent on May 9, 2015.

Since then, Williams has been a part of 27 transactions per Pro Football Reference. Meaning, the defensive tackle was caught in a repeat cycle of waived, released, and resigned.

The whirlwind of uncertainty would have crushed most people. The average Joe would have given up and moved to a career with more certainty.

But Williams is different. His agent called in August of 2020 to let him know the Broncos had a contract waiting for him, for the practice squad. He jumped at the chance and began to work.

On September 25, 2020, he was activated to the game-day roster. He persevered and took advantage of his opportunity and has not looked back.

Fast forward to the 2021 offseason and the 28-year-old is showing everyone that he is more than a depth piece.

Broncos’ Williams is an impact player

Williams has been nothing short of phenomenal this offseason. Capitalizing on a 2-sack 2020 season with minimal snaps, the energetic player is becoming a force on the Broncos’ vaunted defensive front.

Williams has received high praise across the league, especially from Pro Football Focus.

He has shown a consistent ability to make plays. Whether in the running game or passing game, Williams finds ways to be around the ball.

In the preseason matchup against the Seattle Seahawks, Williams had already secured a fumble recovery when he showed his tremendous agility and athletics to pluck the ball out of the air for an interception. This play seemed familiar to most Broncos fans.

In a 2020 regular-season matchup, Williams made another unique play by diving to secure a tipped pass for another interception.

Williams has been more than splash plays. His athleticism and versatility allow him to maneuver up and down the defensive front, acting as a swiss army knife for Vic Fangio.

Once an afterthought, Williams has become a vital part to one of the game’s best defenses.

As the Broncos look to finish off the preseason tonight, look for Williams to again make some plays. But, keep that focus on him during the regular season too because he could be a key component to that defensive front.

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