James Smith-Williams Bio
James Smith-Williams is an American professional football linebacker who currently plays for the Atlanta Falcons in the National Football League. Born on July 30, 1997, in Raleigh, North Carolina, he attended Millbrook High School before playing college football at NC State University. The Washington Football Team selected him in the seventh round of the 2020 NFL Draft with the 229th overall pick. Smith-Williams has established himself as a reliable defensive player, contributing significantly to both the Washington franchise and now the Atlanta Falcons organization.
Early Life and Background
James Smith-Williams grew up in Raleigh, North Carolina, where he attended Millbrook High School. During his high school career, he developed into a promising defensive talent, catching the attention of college recruiters across the country. His athletic abilities and football instincts positioned him as a prospect with potential at the next level.
As a high school player, Smith-Williams earned recognition for his performance on the field, ultimately becoming a 3-star recruit. His combination of size, speed, and defensive awareness made him an attractive prospect for several college programs seeking to strengthen their defensive lines.
Path to the NFL
Smith-Williams received scholarship offers from multiple college programs, including Appalachian State, Boston College, and James Madison, among others. He ultimately chose to continue his football career at NC State University, joining the Wolfpack program in 2015. This decision marked a crucial step in his development as a future professional athlete.
During his redshirt freshman season in 2018, Smith-Williams made a significant impact for the Wolfpack defense. He recorded 36 tackles, including nine tackles for loss, and contributed six sacks. His performance demonstrated his ability to disrupt opposing offenses and penetrate the backfield effectively. Though his 2019 season was shortened to just seven games due to injury, he still managed to compile 20 tackles and one sack, showing resilience in the face of adversity.
Throughout his four-year college career from 2015 to 2019, Smith-Williams appeared in 29 games for NC State. He accumulated 82 total tackles, 12 tackles for loss, eight sacks, and three pass deflections. Beyond his athletic accomplishments, he focused on his academic pursuits, graduating from NC State with a degree in business supply chain management, demonstrating his commitment to life beyond football.
James Smith-Williams Career
Washington Football Team (2020–2023)
Smith-Williams entered the NFL when the Washington Football Team selected him in the seventh round of the 2020 NFL Draft with the 229th overall pick. He signed his four-year rookie contract on July 22, 2020, officially beginning his professional football journey. His selection represented the culmination of years of dedication and development from high school through college.
The 2021 season marked a turning point in Smith-Williams’ career. In Week 10, he earned his first career start, stepping in for injured defensive end Montez Sweat. The following week against the Carolina Panthers, he delivered a memorable performance. Alongside defensive tackle Daron Payne, Smith-Williams helped secure a victory by sacking quarterback Cam Newton on fourth down with less than a minute and a half remaining in the game. In December 2021, he was placed on the COVID-19 reserve list, forcing him to miss the Week 14 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys before being activated the following week.
The 2022 season presented new opportunities for Smith-Williams when defensive end Chase Young missed the majority of the year while recovering from an ACL injury. He stepped into a starting role, appearing in 14 games and finishing the season with 23 total tackles, one pass deflection, and three sacks. His consistency and reliability in a expanded role demonstrated his value to the defensive unit.
Before the 2023 season, the Commanders traded both their original starting defensive ends, Chase Young and Montez Sweat. This created an immediate void in the starting lineup, and Smith-Williams was elevated to the starting lineup before Week 9 to fill the gap. His performance throughout the season reflected his growth as a professional player capable of stepping up when called upon.
Atlanta Falcons (2024–Present)
On April 10, 2024, Smith-Williams signed with the Atlanta Falcons, marking a new chapter in his NFL career. This move represented an opportunity to continue his professional journey with a new organization and contribute to a different defensive scheme. The signing demonstrated the value he had built during his four seasons with Washington.
Joining the Falcons gave Smith-Williams a fresh start and the chance to compete for playing time in a new defensive environment. His experience starting games and contributing in various roles made him a versatile addition to Atlanta’s linebacker corps.
Playing Style and Strengths
Smith-Williams has established himself as a dependable linebacker known for his ability to play multiple positions along the defensive line. His 6-foot-4, 265-pound frame provides him with the size and strength necessary to battle offensive linemen while maintaining the agility to pursue quarterbacks in the backfield. His college production of eight career sacks and his consistent pressure creation in the NFL demonstrate his effectiveness as a pass rusher. His ability to step into starting roles when injuries or roster changes created opportunities reflects his preparedness and football intelligence.
Notable Events and Milestones
The defining moment of Smith-Williams’ early career came in Week 11 of the 2021 season against the Carolina Panthers. Alongside teammate Daron Payne, he helped seal a crucial victory by sacking Cam Newton on fourth down late in the game. His first career start earlier that season in Week 10 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers represented another significant milestone in his development. Additionally, his transition to the Atlanta Falcons in 2024 marked a new beginning with his fourth NFL franchise.
James Smith-Williams Career Statistics
Throughout his NFL career spanning four seasons, Smith-Williams has demonstrated consistent production as a defensive player. His ability to contribute both against the run and as a pass rusher has made him a valuable member of every roster he has joined.
NFL Career Totals
Through the 2024 season, Smith-Williams has recorded 109 career tackles, eight sacks, and two pass deflections. His sack production highlights his effectiveness as a pass rusher, while his tackle numbers reflect his reliability against the run. His statistical profile shows a player capable of making plays in multiple facets of the game.
James Smith-Williams Personal Life
Beyond his football career, Smith-Williams has demonstrated a commitment to his professional development. During his college years at NC State, he served as an intern for IBM, specializing in robotic animation. This experience provided him with valuable skills and industry connections that could serve him well after his football career concludes. Notably, IBM extended a job offer to him following the completion of his football career, indicating the respect his internship supervisors had for his abilities.
Smith-Williams has shown a mature approach to planning for his future beyond athletics. His combination of a college degree in business supply chain management and professional internship experience with a major technology company reflects his understanding of the importance of building a foundation for life after football.
2025 Season Performance
As Smith-Williams enters the 2025 season with the Atlanta Falcons, he brings the experience of four NFL seasons and the versatility to contribute in multiple defensive roles. His journey from a seventh-round draft pick to a player who has started multiple games demonstrates his ability to overcome odds and earn opportunities through performance. The Falcons defensive scheme will likely utilize his pass-rushing abilities and his experience in various linebacker alignments. His continued development under a new coaching staff could unlock additional production in his fifth professional season. Smith-Williams’ combination of youth, experience, and demonstrated adaptability positions him as a player who can continue making meaningful contributions to the Falcons’ defense.