New York Jets CB Marcus Williams Earned His Expanded Role
The New York Jets are ready to expand cornerback Marcus Williams‘ role in the upcoming season. What has he done to earn the coaching staff’s trust?
According to NJ.com reporter Darryl Slater, the New York Jets will start cornerback Marcus Williams on the outside in nickel packages. Fellow defensive back Buster Skrine will continue to start opposite Darrelle Revis in base defense.
As CBSSports.com writer Jared Dubin notes, there’s been an increasing number of snaps in nickel packages over the past seven years. In 2015, nearly two-thirds of all snaps on defense included five or more defensive backs on the field across the league.
Based on that statistic, Williams will see an increased workload for the upcoming season.
Williams made his initial mark with the Jets defense in 2014. He became a reliable defender on the perimeter in the second half of his rookie campaign. He exceeded expectations and stood out within a mediocre cornerback group in a tumultuous season.
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Unfortunately for the undrafted North Dakota State product, he took a step backward on the depth chart due to a talent overhaul in the secondary. Not only did the front office sign Skrine as a fresh face, but Antonio Cromartie and Revis rejoined the team, taking over the starting positions.
With Cromartie’s departure after a disappointing season and Skrine’s 5’9”, 185-pound stature, Williams will become a viable cog on the perimeter for the upcoming season.
If anyone knows what Williams brings to the table, it’s general manager Mike Maccagnan. He scouted the third-year pro as a college scout for the Houston Texans before taking his current position. With both individuals working toward a successful season in New York, the Jets’ personnel architect could also flex his muscles as a talent evaluator.
After a decent rookie campaign, Williams led the team in interceptions (6) and passes defensed (10). Yes, he outdid Revis in both categories, which adds to the reasons for an expanded role in 2016. Furthermore, Skrine didn’t fare well in his first season with the club.
As a result, Slater’s report doesn’t come as a surprise. Williams has earned the opportunity to take his play to the next level as a featured cornerback. He’s set to become a restricted free agent in 2017, per spotrac.com, which adds some incentives to earn a high tender.
With Revis turning 31 in July, the Jets must keep an eye out for budding talent. Theoretically, it’s a lot easier to promote players on the roster as opposed to throwing ample cash at opportunistic free agents or selecting the unknown during the draft.
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Williams could provide a much-needed long-term option in the secondary. The team will likely lose Muhammad Wilkerson, their best defensive lineman, after he plays out the year with the franchise tag. Additionally, the linebacker corps will go through changes on the edge, which increases the importance for stability on the back end.
After totaling seven interceptions and 17 passes defensed in 21 games, Williams emerges as an affordable piece in maintaining a respectable Jets defense.