New York Jets: Leonard Williams Lands On Breakout Player List

By Kenneth Teape | Aug 26, 2016

November 1, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; New York Jets defensive end Leonard Williams (92) stretches before the game against the Oakland Raiders at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

New York Jets defensive lineman Leonard Williams landed on ESPN NFL Nation’s 2016 breakout players list.

The New York Jets had one of the strongest defensive fronts in the NFL heading into preparations for the 2015 season. With Muhammad Wilkerson and Sheldon Richardson anchoring the unit, the Jets already had a fearsome twosome for opposing offenses had to worry about.

Then, when the 2015 NFL Draft rolled around, the Jets had a gift fall into their laps. Defensive lineman Leonard Williams, thought to be the best overall prospect in the class by some analysts, fell to the Jets at No.6. Already having Wilkerson and Richardson in the fold, many people thought the Jets would pass on Williams; what was the point of adding another defensive lineman when you have other needs?

The Jets went against that thinking, as they selected Williams to add to an already strong unit. It was a smart decision, as selecting the best player available is usually a smart strategy. Also, it gives the Jets some leverage when their other defensive lineman are heading into free agency.

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We saw this offseason the drama surrounding Wilkerson and his franchise tag before he signed a long-term deal. The Jets will have a similar situation next season when Richardson is set to hit the open market. With Williams in the fold, the Jets can be smart about how they negotiate and not just throw money at a player out of desperation.

While he helps off the field, on the field Williams makes a big impact as well. As a rookie, Williams had only three sacks but played against the run well. In 2016, he should only improve as a pass rusher with added opportunities, while also playing the run well.

Williams is ready to truly breakout in 2016 according to ESPN NFL Nation correspondent Eric Cimini. Cimini covers the Jets for ESPN, and was a part of their breakout stars prediction article, selecting Williams as the Jets breakout star. Here is what he had to say about Williams for 2016.

"The sixth overall pick in 2015 was solid as a rookie, particularly against the run, but he will be more of a factor as a pass-rusher in 2016. He’s stronger, quicker and more decisive than last year, so look for him to double his rookie sack total (3.0)."

The Jets will need someone to step up as a pass rusher, and Williams should receive that opportunity in 2016. With Calvin Pace and Demario Davis out of town, the need is there for a pass rusher.

There will also be more opportunities available for playing time, as Damon Harrison left as a free agent. This should give Williams a chance to truly shine, as he can both play against the run and rush the passer.

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The Jets are happy that Williams fell into their laps in 2015. Now, they are hoping to truly reap the benefits as they will unleash him as a starter and watch him wreck havoc in opponents offensive backfields.

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