James Smith-Williams Bio
James Smith-Williams (born July 30, 1997) is an American professional football linebacker. Born and raised in Raleigh, North Carolina, he played college football for the NC State Wolfpack before being selected by the Washington Football Team in the seventh round of the 2020 NFL Draft. Standing 6 feet 4 inches tall and weighing around 265 pounds, he has built his career on the defensive side of the ball, contributing as both a rotational player and a starter along the defensive line.
As of 2024, James Smith-Williams continues his career with the Atlanta Falcons, the team he signed with in April of that year. Across his professional career, he has been recognized for his run defense, pass-rush ability, and versatility along the front seven. His journey from a three-star high school recruit to an established NFL defender reflects steady development and a reputation for reliability in multiple defensive schemes.
Early Life and Background
James Smith-Williams was born on July 30, 1997, in Raleigh, North Carolina. He grew up in the same city where he would later begin his athletic career, attending Millbrook High School in Raleigh. The Raleigh area has long produced competitive football talent, and Smith-Williams developed his game in that environment, working his way into a notable college recruit.
Coming out of Millbrook High School, James Smith-Williams was rated as a three-star recruit by scouting services. He drew attention from several college programs and ultimately chose to continue his football career at North Carolina State University, a decision that shaped his path to the National Football League. His size and frame, even at a young age, suggested the kind of positional flexibility that teams look for in modern edge defenders.
Path to American Football
James Smith-Williams committed to NC State over scholarship offers from programs including Appalachian State, Boston College, and James Madison. The Wolfpack gave him an opportunity to grow within their defensive system, and he developed steadily across his college seasons, working primarily as a defensive end and edge rusher.
His most productive college season came in 2018, when he posted 36 tackles, nine tackles for loss, and six sacks. The following year, he was limited to seven games, recording 20 tackles and one sack, but he still appeared in 29 total games during his NC State career, finishing with 82 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, 8 sacks, and 3 pass deflections. He also balanced athletics with academics, completing a degree in business supply chain management and serving as an intern for IBM, where he specialized in robotic animation.
James Smith-Williams Career
Early Career (2020–2021)
James Smith-Williams was selected by the Washington Football Team in the seventh round, 229th overall, of the 2020 NFL Draft. He signed his four-year rookie contract on July 22, 2020, officially beginning his professional career. As a late-round pick, his path to the field was expected to take time, and he spent his first season developing within the team’s defensive rotation.
His role grew significantly during the 2021 season. In Week 10, he made his first career start in place of an injured Montez Sweat. The following week, he and defensive tackle Daron Payne helped seal a win over the Carolina Panthers by sacking quarterback Cam Newton on fourth down with less than a minute and a half remaining. That sequence marked a defining early moment in his career, demonstrating his ability to contribute in high-pressure situations.
Washington Commanders Breakthrough (2022–2023)
James Smith-Williams took on a larger role during the 2022 season after defensive end Chase Young missed most of the year recovering from a torn ACL. He stepped into the starting lineup and started 14 games, finishing the season with 23 total tackles, one pass deflection, and three sacks. His performance that year showed he could handle an expanded workload as a full-time starter.
He continued to start in 2023, being elevated into the starting lineup before Week 9 after Washington traded both Chase Young and Montez Sweat. The opportunity allowed him to log meaningful snaps as a veteran presence on a retooling defensive front. His time in Washington, which spanned from 2020 to 2023, helped him develop into a dependable rotational and spot-start defender.
Atlanta Falcons Era (2024–Present)
On April 10, 2024, James Smith-Williams signed with the Atlanta Falcons, beginning a new chapter in his career. The move offered him a chance to contribute to a defense in the NFC South and to bring his experience as a versatile edge defender to a new defensive scheme.
With Atlanta, he has continued to play along the defensive line, offering depth, run defense, and situational pass-rush help. His veteran presence has added stability to the Falcons’ front, and his ability to play multiple techniques along the line has made him a useful piece for the team’s defensive game plans.
Driving Style and Strengths
James Smith-Williams is known for his length, physicality, and football IQ, traits that allow him to set the edge against the run while also collapsing the pocket as a pass rusher. His college background as a multi-year starter and his professional experience starting 14 games in 2022 have given him a strong understanding of opposing offensive schemes, helping him anticipate plays and finish with sound tackling form.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among his most memorable career moments, the fourth-down sack of Cam Newton alongside Daron Payne in 2021 stands out as a signature play. Being elevated to a starting role in both 2022 and 2023 after injuries and trades also marked major milestones, reflecting the trust his coaches placed in him during critical stretches of multiple seasons.
James Smith-Williams Career Wins
Across his NFL career, James Smith-Williams has contributed to team wins as a rotational defender and starter, building a reputation as a reliable contributor along the defensive front. While not primarily known as a stat-sheet leader, his work in run defense and situational pass rush has helped his teams in close games, including the late-game stop against the Carolina Panthers in 2021.
Atlanta Falcons Highlights
Since joining the Atlanta Falcons in April 2024, James Smith-Williams has served as part of the team’s defensive line rotation, offering experience and versatility. His role with the Falcons has centered on contributing as a depth edge defender and providing veteran leadership to a young defensive front.
Other Wins & Performances
With the Washington Football Team and later the Washington Commanders from 2020 to 2023, James Smith-Williams appeared in games as both a reserve and a starter, logging key defensive snaps during the 2022 and 2023 seasons. His development from a seventh-round pick to a multi-game starter represents one of the steadier growth paths among his draft class.
James Smith-Williams Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
James Smith-Williams was raised in Raleigh, North Carolina, where he attended Millbrook High School. Public details about his family background, including his parents, are not widely available in verified sources, and as a private individual, he has not shared extensive information about his personal lineage.
Personal Life
Outside of football, James Smith-Williams completed a degree in business supply chain management at NC State and gained professional experience through an internship with IBM focused on robotic animation, an opportunity that reflected his interest in business and technology. He has not publicly confirmed details regarding a spouse, children, or current residence.
2025 Season Performance
Heading into the 2025 season, James Smith-Williams is expected to continue his role with the Atlanta Falcons as a veteran presence along the defensive line. With a year of familiarity in Atlanta’s defensive system, he is positioned to take on a more defined role, whether as a rotational edge defender or a situational starter, depending on the team’s needs.
The Falcons are looking to build on their defensive identity, and Smith-Williams’ experience starting 14 games in 2022 and serving as a Week 9 starter in 2023 gives him a strong foundation to contribute meaningfully. His ability to play the run and offer pass-rush help should keep him involved in key defensive packages throughout the season.
For 2025, the outlook for James Smith-Williams centers on consistency, health, and the opportunity to grow into a larger leadership role within the Atlanta defensive front. If he stays healthy and continues to perform at the level he showed in Washington, he has the potential to remain a steady contributor for the Falcons and possibly extend his NFL career into future seasons.