Patriots sign Malcolm Williams off Practice Squad to Active Roster

[jmt57]

It Is What It Is » Patriots sign DB Malcolm Williams to take place of Ras-I Dowling » Mike Petraglia

Defensive back Malcolm Williams will take the place Ras-I Dowling on the active 53-man roster after being signed off the practice squad on Saturday.

Williams, 24, was originally signed to the practice squad on Sept. 1 after being released following training camp on Aug. 31. The 5-foot-11, 205-pounder was originally drafted by New England in the seventh round (219th overall) out of Texas Christian in the 2011 NFL Draft.

Williams was released by the Patriots at the end of his first training camp before being signed to the practice squad in November. Williams rotated between the practice squad and 53-man roster after being re-signed and played in two regular season games and all three postseason games, including Super Bowl XLVI, mostly on special teams.​

More on Malcolm Williams below. From what I have read today he has already been taking Dowling's place during practices. He bounced on and off the practice squad last November, was on the roster as a special teams player for a couple games last December.

New England Patriots: Malcolm Williams

Malcolm Williams Profile - TCU Horned Frogs Official Athletic Site

Bubble Watch: Malcolm Williams - New England Patriots Blog - espnBoston

 

[IcyPatriot]

Well he has a good name for a DB ... let's hope he turns into at least the next Randall Gay or hank Poteat.

 

[supafly]

I think there was a lot of talk about Williams moving to safety in the offseason, so that may end up being the plan.

We'll have to see how it plays out.

 

[The Gr8est]

Looking for a silver lining here.

When he was drafted wasn't Williams already a very good ST players with questions about his ability to play a regular position? Could he maybe be an improvement at KR for us?

Despite the TD last week, McCourty hasn't been anything special for us at KR.

 

[doesntmatter1]

I've felt that he should have been on the roster from opening day on his st alone. He can't play d but who can half the time in our secondary.

 

[VrabelJr]

I've felt that he should have been on the roster from opening day on his st alone. He can't play d but who can half the time in our secondary.

Yeah, I too was confused when we went with Marquice Cole (future R&B sensation with a name like that!) over Malcolm Williams.

 

[PATSYLICIOUS]

Can't be any worse than what we've seen aside from McCourty/Wilson/Dennard

 

[TinhWoodhead]

Well he has a good name for a DB ....

anything is better than May-I, Should-I, Could-I, Was-I, Ras-I

 

[MTM558]

In an interview during the offseason, he did mention that he would likely be moved to Safety. However, throughout training camp and preseason, he has played solely at Cornerback. Could he still be at Safety if called upon? Certainly. But so far, he's been practicing as a Cornerback to our knowledge.

Let's hope he'll stick to his Special Teams niche, for the sake of us all, though.

 

[Claremonster]

I have to think that the secondary as a whole, it isn't ALL their fault. Coaching is VERY suspect I would have to think.

 

[PittPatriot]

I would like to reenact the Bayard School monologue scene from Scent of a Woman where Lieutenant Colonel Frank Slade says, "Ras-I, Tayvon, and Kyle…****** you too!"

Let me get this straight: We drafted Malcom in the Middle in the garbage rounds of the 2011 draft where he could not beat out any of his fellow losers already in our defensive backfield. He then finds his way to Green Bay (the 2nd worst secondary in the NFL) and can't get off the practice squad. Pardon me if I don't hold my breath for this one to pan out...

 

[VrabelJr]

I would like to reenact the Bayard School monologue scene from Scent of a Woman where Lieutenant Colonel Frank Slade says, "Ras-I, Tayvon, and Kyle…****** you too!"

Let me get this straight: We drafted Malcom in the Middle in the garbage rounds of the 2011 draft where he could not beat out any of his fellow losers already in our defensive backfield. He then finds his way to Green Bay (the 2nd worst secondary in the NFL) and can't get off the practice squad. Pardon me if I don't hold my breath for this one to pan out...

Actually, the Packers secondary is pretty damn good. They sucked last year due to injuries. They've been top 10 or better for 4 out of the past 5 years.

 

[PittPatriot]

Actually, the Packers secondary is pretty damn good. They sucked last year due to injuries. They've been top 10 or better for 4 out of the past 5 years.

I didn't even check this year, I guess I have last year's team in mind. But are you pretty much telling me that even on a team riddled with injuries he could not break the lineup?

 

[VrabelJr]

I didn't even check this year, I guess I have last year's team in mind. But are you pretty much telling me that even on a team riddled with injuries he could not break the lineup?

He was drafted by us before GBs injuries...

 

[Avenger]

I would like to reenact the Bayard School monologue scene from Scent of a Woman where Lieutenant Colonel Frank Slade says, "Ras-I, Tayvon, and Kyle…****** you too!"

Let me get this straight: We drafted Malcom in the Middle in the garbage rounds of the 2011 draft where he could not beat out any of his fellow losers already in our defensive backfield. He then finds his way to Green Bay (the 2nd worst secondary in the NFL) and can't get off the practice squad. Pardon me if I don't hold my breath for this one to pan out...

When was he with GB?

 

[PittPatriot]

He was drafted by us before GBs injuries...

Ok - so he was on our team all last season and then when to GB to play in 2012. Sorry for the mix up.

 

[mgteich]

We had a defensive back roster spot open. We brought up a special teamer from the Practice Squad to be our #53 player. I don't see what this is a negative. He is an extra special teamer at no cost since we already have 7 players out, and could remains so when we have 7 healthy offensive lineman active for a game.

 

[PittPatriot]

We had a defensive back roster spot open. We brought up a special teamer from the Practice Squad to be our #53 player. I don't see what this is a negative. He is an extra special teamer at no cost since we already have 7 players out, and could remains so when we have 7 healthy offensive lineman active for a game.

I think the statement, "Defensive back Malcolm Williams will take the place Ras-I Dowling" is what put me off. It makes it seem like we found a viable coverage option in our Defensive Backfield.

 

[mgteich]

IMHO, Dowling was not a viable option for what ails us. Williams is not a viable option. Dowling was competing with Moore for reps as a dime back. We had/have McCourty, Dennard and Arrington as our corners and nickel back.

Personally, i would rather keep those 3 at corner and use Moore at safety, until Gregory or Chung come back.

I think the statement, "Defensive back Malcolm Williams will take the place Ras-I Dowling" is what put me off. It makes it seem like we found a viable coverage option in our Defensive Backfield.

 

[QB12]

Moore's not fast enough for the safety position, or haven't you already noticed? Pus, he's got a knee and isn't anywhere near 100%.