Titans 2024 Draft picks: Tennessee selects James Williams, S, Miami in the seventh round (No. 242)

The Titans added a safety in the seventh round of the 2024 NFL Draft

The Tennessee Titans selected Miami safety James Williams with the No. 242 overall selection in the seventh round of the 2024 NFL Draft. It’s their second-last selection, with one more scheduled for 252.

I’m not convinced Williams will play safety at the next level, as scouts have discussed the possibility of him playing linebacker moving forward. If he is a safety, the Titans entered the offseason with a sizable need at the position. General manager Ran Carthon hasn’t signed an appropriate starter opposite Amani Hooker.

Williams recorded 162 total career tackles at Miami. He added 17 pass breakups, four interceptions, and three forced fumbles to his defensive totals. Williams was a productive player at a high-level college football program.

Williams tested poorly at the NFL Combine. The Fort Lauderdale native ran a 4.65 40 with splits of 2.71 and 1.61. James also leaped a historically poor vertical at 30 inches, and just a 9-foot-9 broad. There has been discussion of James switching positions to an aforementioned hybrid linebacker role. He may lack the athleticism to play traditional safety roles at the next level.