Ex-Falcon Jimmy Williams suspended one year

By Alexis Stevens

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Former Atlanta Falcon Jimmy Williams has been suspended by the NFL for a year, according to NBC Sports.

The suspension apparently is a result of his latest violation of the league’s substance-abuse policy, according to Howard Balzer of the Sports Xchange.

Williams, a Falcons’ second-round pick, was cut from the team in June 2008. He was the team’s top pick in the 2006 draft.

Williams, a cornerback, played college ball at Virginia Tech. When drafted, he joined a roster that included quarterback Michael Vick, cornerback DeAngelo Hall, offensive lineman Matt Lehr and quarterback Bryan Randall as former Hokies on the team.

In his short time with the Falcons, Williams never lived up to the team’s expectations. But his weight was up to over 230 pounds — 20 more than what coaches wanted — when he reported to camp last year.

The Falcons hoped Williams would challenge veteran cornerback Jason Webster for the starting job in ’06, but Webster held on to his spot until getting hurt. An ankle injury prevented Williams from taking over as the starter until the end of the season.

He was moved to free safety for the 2007 season.

The 49ers signed Williams earlier this year, but released him in May.