By: Dylan Tereman
Just a few weeks away from the 2019 NFL Combine, the draft begins to come more into focus. Currently, the New York Jets are selecting 3rd overall. Many are expecting them to trade back and acquire more picks, while still remaining at the top end of the draft. For these prospect profiles, we will assume New York is staying at 3. Alabama’s Quinnen Williams is a name that has been mocked to them numerous times in the last few weeks.
Williams, listed at 6’4” 295 lbs, was a force on the interior of the defensive line for the Crimson Tide. He displayed the ability to play against both the run and the pass, and looks to be an anchor for whichever team drafts him. Williams should hear his name called in the top five in a few months.
Name: Quinnen Williams
College: Alabama
Position: DT
2018 Stats:
71 tackles (45 solo), 19.5 TFL, 8 sacks, 1 PD
Strengths:
His ability to use speed off the snap, then transfer his power into his legs and arms is what makes Williams so special. He has a dominant skill set, using his quick hands to swat away blockers. Coming from Alabama under head coach Nick Saban, Quinnen has excellent football IQ, allowing him to breakdown plays quickly.
Weaknesses:
While there are very few weaknesses in his game, Williams is sometimes susceptible to the double team, which he may see more of at the pro level. Occasionally, he will over pursue on plays, giving up big yardage, but experience will only make him more aware of those situations.
Scheme Fit:
Williams has displayed versatility across the defensive line, playing the 0-technique all the way to the 4i, which means he can excel in almost any scheme. Adding him to the interior line in New York that already has Leonard Williams, the Jets could field an impressive tandem. While it isn’t a flashy pick at 3rd overall, the Jets have many holes to fill and Quinnen Williams is a day 1 starter who will have an immediate impact no matter where he lands.