Avery Williams' second professional season with the Atlanta Falcons began in similar fashion to his first - plenty of change.
But this time, it was different.
In year one, Williams was merely adjusting to life as a pro football player but found comfort in the fact that he was being used the same way he was in college at Boise State - as a cornerback and return specialist.
And while the comfortability was there, the results sort of weren't - Williams averaged just 21.3 yards per kick return and 7.7 yards per punt return on special teams, and he allowed 11 receptions for 112 yards and a touchdown on only 14 targets across 121 defensive snaps.
Still, Williams flashed as a playmaker and provided an element of versatility that Falcons coach Arthur Smith valued ... even if the coverage ability wasn't always present.
But that's where things were differentin year two - both in terms of result and fit.
During OTAs, the Falcons moved Williams from defense to offense, as he joined the running back's room while continuing to work on special teams and still seeing occasional snaps at corner.
At the time, Williams said he was "all for it" and "love(d)" the move, because it gave him a chance to help the team - and that truly embodies who he is as an individual.
With both player and staff on board, results quickly followed.
Williams more than doubled his punt return yardage to finish at 16.6 yards per return, good enough to lead the entire NFL. The 24-year-old wasn't heavily used offensively, as he saw only 141 snaps (13 percent) but made an impact when on the field, taking 22 carries for 109 yards and his first career touchdown while adding 13 receptions for 61 yards.
The result? A pleased Smith.
"I think Avery had a pretty damn good season," Smith said at season's end.
But why? That answer is an even mixture of on- and off-field value, headlined by Williams' special teams impact but built up by all of the other things he brings to the team and locker room.
"He's been productive," Smith stated. "He's a versatile player. He's done a nice job on the punt returns this year. He's a big part of our team and his role continues to expand. He's a fun player to work with and coach."
However, there's still more to the answer.
Falcons offensive coordinator Dave Ragone naturally didn't work with Williams much during his defense-focused rookie season but saw that change substantially in year two.
For Ragone, the "pretty damn good" season that Williams had and the versatility he provides is merely a byproduct of the type of player he is.
What exactly isthat player? Per Ragone, the answer is straightforward in nature but complex in how it reflects Williams' collective skillset.
"With Avery, he's played nickel, he's a returner, now he's playing offense - he's a football player," said Ragone. "He understands football. I know that sounds pretty simple and you would think everybody at the NFL level would understand football, (but) it's not always the case."
Ragone used the specific example of being able to take coaching from the locker room and translate that to the practice field and then into the game.
Whether it be a specific concept or the way to read a blocking scheme, the complexities of NFL coaching can be overwhelming at times - but Williams' mental capacity enables him to be proficient in that regard.
And while that wasn't seen by those on the outside, it's a critical part to what led to the final product - and why the Falcons are so high on Williams' future.
"I think you just have guys who have a natural feel when the picture changes," Ragone began. "And when (those) guys can still problem solve, then you really have a guy who understands football, and I think Avery (has) that capability."
It's this intricate understanding of football and mental "capability" that allows Williams to be perhaps the most versatile player on Atlanta's roster.
Smith has previously stressed the importance of being able to play multiple spots, dubbing it a "very underrated position when you get to gameday" - which fittingly represents Williams' impact.
A unanimous All-American his final year at Boise State, Williams didn't necessarily have a standout rookie season - but he truly broke out in his second campaign, and Smith is grateful for all that he brings to the table.
"Still think it's pretty impressive that a guy can do that role he was forced into last year," Smith said. "Playing (defensive back), playing the nickel spot, being the returner, making the switch to offense, he's been ready to go if we'd gotten down - got close in one game having to finish it at corner."
And really, that's who Williams is.
There's the star special teams player who led the league in punt return average.
There's the one-time defensive back who converted to running back and contributed as both a runner and receiver.
There's the emergency corner who knows the calls and responsibilities in all three phases.
And perhaps most importantly, there's the "football player" who understands the sport at a deep level.
Considering all of that, it's certainly to safe that Williams had a "pretty damn good" second season ... and the Falcons are eager to see him ascend to another level in year three.
You can follow Daniel Flick on Twitter @DFlickDraft
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