Packers: 5 bold predictions for the 2019 NFL Draft
By Brady Busha
3. Tramon Williams will retire after the draft
Packers GM Brian Gutekunst demonstrated last year that he is not afraid to throw resources at a glaring need when he drafted three receivers in 2018. J’Mon Moore, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, and Equanimeous St. Brown all joined Green Bay last year and filled the depth chart with tongue-twisters and flashes of excellence.
It’s quite possible that “Gute” is looking to use some early and late picks to fill the hole left behind by Kentrell Brice, Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, Ibraheim Campbell, and a handful of other names that sprinkled in some snaps at the safety position. One safety spot was locked down by former Bears safety Adrian Amos in the free agency period, so now the Packers may be interested in filling the back end of their draft board with safeties.
Where does Tramon Williams fit into this? While he is a legend in Lambeau and earned his Super Bowl ring with the team in the 2010 campaign, his decline was on full display while in Arizona and Cleveland, and he hasn’t bounced back as hoped in Green Bay since returning.
A journeyman, a past Pro Bowler, a leader, and a team icon. These traits symbolize Tramon Williams and former Vikings CB Terence Newman.
In 2018, the Vikings selected CB Mike Hughes 30th overall in the first round. Five months later, Terence Williams retired from football and joined the Vikings coaching staff.
The same path would be something that Tramon can follow if the Packers also use the 30th pick to fill in for the 12-year veteran. With the cornerback stable sufficiently stocked with young and rising talent, the Packers can turn their focus in the draft to seek a safety or two in the middle and late rounds to bolster the roster.
Williams has always been the consummate professional, in terms of interacting with the media, playing the game the right way, and representing his team in a positive way. But when it’s time, it’s time.
If Williams sees his role in the team dwindling during training camp, being replaced by the likes of Juan Thornhill (Virginia) or Nasir Adderley (Delaware), he will retire and find a way to still contribute to the organization. Whether that means he helps in the film room or upstairs like John Kuhn, Williams will stick around the team he loves, that loves him right back.