Packers rookie silences doubters with another elite PFF grade in Week 6

Evan Williams is a star. Every time he steps onto the field, he makes a significant contribution. After impressing as a backup earlier in the season, the Green Bay Packers' fourth-round rookie has forced his way into the starting lineup opposite Xavier McKinney.

Just like when they selected Micah Hyde in the fifth round, it appears the Packers have unearthed another difference-maker in the secondary on Day 3 of the draft. He also happens to wear No. 33.

It's early days, of course, and Williams still has a long way to go, but it's hard not to come away excited after watching his first two Packers starts. He is a smart player, has great instincts, and is a playmaker. Williams already has one interception and a forced fumble this season, and he came up with the game-winning pass breakup in Week 5.

Remember the draft grades? Many criticized the Packers' decision to select Williams in the fourth round. After all, the consensus board had him ranked 235th. Take this post-draft grade as an example:

"Williams is a big hitter but unreliable in coverage. He'll jump routes and bite whenever offenses target him. This was a big reach," wrote The 33rd Team's Ian Valentino, who handed the Packers a D grade for the selection.

Williams is proving he wasn't a reach. If anything, he was a steal.

Packers' Evan Williams is PFF's highest-grade safety after Week 6

Williams starred in the Packers' victory over the Arizona Cardinals and earned the team's highest PFF grade for Week 6. Not only that, but Williams is PFF's highest-graded safety in the league all season with an elite 91.4. Xavier McKinney is fourth with a 90.5 grade.

PFF grades aren't the be-all and end-all, but they provide a good reflection of how each player is performing. Williams has hardly made a mistake when given opportunities, and there's no way the Packers can consider giving away his starting job.

Williams made a crucial third-down stop on Kyler Murray before forcing a fumble later in the game.

It's not surprising to Packers fans who followed along with training camp updates. He was a standout performer all summer, which made it even more confusing when he played zero snaps in the season opener against the Philadelphia Eagles.

Williams has officially arrived. Alongside McKinney, who is having an All-Pro season, and talented rookie Javon Bullard, the Packers have rebuilt arguably the worst safety room in football into the best.

The Packers received criticism after "reaching" for Williams. Nobody is laughing now.

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