Bengals’ Shawn Williams on the rise

Upon becoming a full-time starter in his fourth professional season, Williams produced in big ways in 2016. He was in on 81 tackles, 59 of them solo, picked off three passes, broke up five more, and was super solid in run support.

Drafted in the third round in 2013, Williams and free safety George Iloka form a top-notch tandem in the back. The 6-foot, 210-pounder from the University of Georgia is quite a presence in the middle of the Cincinnati defense, a hard-hitting ball hawk whom Pro Football Focus considered one of the game's up-and-comers.

Football’s on the way. The Bengals open training camp two weeks from Friday, July 28 on the fields west of Paul Brown Stadium, and the public is invited for free. Opening day will be Sept. 10, at PBS, against the Ravens.