Williams taking KR spot from KR is business, not personal

By Anthony Bialy | Monday, May 19, 2008 | ( 0 )

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Koren Robinson’s story is either sad or shameful depending on one’s perspective, and either way it can’t be argued that his release by the Packers is further evidence that the receiver has hemorrhaged potential at a depressingly fantastic pace.

Not activated until Oct. 30 of last season, Robinson finished seventh on the team in receptions with 21. While the Packers will need every bit of sharp receiver play that can be mustered in the after-Brett era, the fact is that there is enough talent on the roster to compensate for the loss of Robinson’s 241 yards; that said, even his projected total over a full season of 427 yards is less impressive or vital than his third phase work, as he fielded 25 kickoffs last season. His efforts toward establishing good drive starts made the discharge most surprising.

Yet, it was neither his personal issues nor capable display that made him expendable but rather a colleague: Reserve cornerback Tramon Williams earned the glamorously dangerous special teams slot through his established knack for kick returning, beating his more prominent competition for the job.

He may not appear to have been destined for football eminence: Williams had a lone start last season after being signed and never activated by the Packers late in his rookie year of 2006. An undrafted free agent first taken in by the Texans before being released by them in the summer, he’s made himself valuable by serving as an effective de facto offensive weapon when Green Bay receives the ball after conceding a score.

Williams handled 30 kickoffs last year while managing to obtain a 22.8-yard return average, exactly one yard fewer than his veteran teammate Robinson. It’s a respectably sizable standard performance that makes him the top candidate to do the job again this season.

And why not use Williams to return the other change-of-possession kicks? Having the Louisiana Tech product catch and advance punts would mean less wear on last year’s primary returner in Charles Woodson, meaning that the 31-year-old starting cornerback could preserve his energy for his crucial task mirroring wideouts.

On top of that, the Heisman victor has missed 24 games over the last six seasons, and the risk of sustaining injuries caused by punt return collisions should make coaches wary of using him to do so; his primary worth is in the secondary. Woodson averaged 8.1 yards per return on 33 tries, while Williams got back 19.7 yards every time in an admittedly small sample of six returns, an amount pumped up by a fabulous 94-yard touchdown return against the Panthers in November. Still, skewed total aside, the score demonstrated a capacity for big plays that will help him both win the job and boost his efforts to stick in the league.

It’s not that he’s a defensive slouch: The 25-year-old managed 16 tackles, four defended passes, and an interception last season in his limited role. Competent backups who also shine in the kicking game are nearly as in demand as left-handed pitchers and 7-foot centers.

Robinson’s troubles are unfortunate, but the franchise just didn’t see enough to justify the risk of retaining him. While it’s a harsh reality, cuts do mean opportunities for others, and Williams can stay with a squad as long as he maintains his willingness to encounter crazy special teams defenders flying precisely his way.

He won’t be handed this job in 2008 by default, either: Williams’ promising gain rate last season made the veteran redundant, as the young player’s willingness to deal with booted footballs means that he offers much more than simply coverage skills.

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