New York Jets: Leonard Williams Predicted As Future Pro Bowler

New York Jets defensive lineman Leonard Williams has been selected by Pro Football Focus as the team’s future Pro Bowler.

2016 has been a very disappointing season for the New York Jets. They head into their Week 15 matchup with the New England Patriots already eliminated from playoff contention with a record of 4-10.

There has been very little to get excited about on the team. The quarterback situation is a mess and the defense has badly underachieved. Players look disinterested on the field and it has resulted in some ugly performances. The last two games of the season will be used to evaluate the roster and see who is worth keeping for the future.

One of the players who are a lock to be in the future plans of the team are Leonard Williams. Williams has been one of the only bright spots on the team as he lives up to his No.6 draft status.

The Jets landed Williams with the sixth pick in the 2015 NFL Draft. Williams fell into their laps as he was considered the top overall prospect in the draft class. Despite already having Muhammad Wilkerson, Sheldon Richardson, and Damon Harrison in the fold, the Jets smartly pulled the trigger on Williams and have not regretted the decision for a second.

More from New York Jets

Williams has showcased his versatility throughout his first two seasons in the league. He plays all along the defensive front, much like he did at USC. No matter where you put he him he produces.

He is a legitimate building block for the Jets, and with good reason. He brings it every play and has the makings of a leader on defense. Unlike Wilkerson and Richardson, who have struggled both on and off the field this season, Williams brings no off-field distractions; he is all business.

That, along with the production he brings on the field, is why Pro Football Focus believes he will be a Pro Bowler in the future. Pro Football Focus compiled a list of future Pro Bowlers, one for each team, over at ESPN and Williams was their selection for the Jets.

Here is what Pro Football Focus has to say about Williams:

"Some saw Williams as the best overall player in the 2015 draft, and he has lived up to the hype through two seasons. He ranks seventh among interior defensive linemen at 85.4 overall, including an 84.8 run defense grade that ranks fourth. That was his calling card coming out of USC, but he also has been an effective pass-rusher, with eight sacks, 11 QB hits and 34 hurries this season, all while rarely coming off the field. His 786 snaps rank fifth among interior defensive linemen."

You cannot ask for much more from a player; consistent production and durability. No matter the situation the Jets defense is facing you can almost guarantee that Williams will be on the field.

Despite being only 22-years old, it can be argued that Williams is already the most important player on the Jets defense. Richardson does not look long for the team, and Wilkerson has woefully underperformed after signing his massive contract extension this offseason.

Next: New York Jets 10 Greatest First Round Picks Of All-Time

There is a chance that Wilkerson can still bounce back, as an ankle injury seems to have hampered him this season. It would be nice for the Jets to get some production alongside Williams, a budding star and no doubt future Pro Bowler.

Home/New York Jets