New York Jets: Leonard Williams primed for a breakout season

As we watch the New York Jets progress through training camp, it is becoming clearer each day that Leonard Williams is ready to break out in 2018.

When you read this post, the New York Jets will be three days away from opening training camp against the Atlanta Falcons. Finally the talk can end and we can see some football. Who is looking forward to the debut of Sam Darnold? Me too.

But as we all know, there is more to watch than just the quarterback. When the team has posted two straight 5-11 seasons, there is a lot to watch.

For the Jets, one of the issues is the defensive front seven. We have talked about it extensively this offseason and it bares repeating. This group is not what it was during the “Sons of Anarchy” days.

The remaining holdout from those days is the “Big Cat”. Leonard Williams is entering his fourth year with the team and that is always a big one for players on their rookie contracts. His 2018 season will be a preview as to what his next contract may or may not look like.

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He has had the team exercise his fifth year option, but he will be looking for that big score. 2018 will be the start of finalizing that resume.

So far Williams has had one big year with seven sacks (2016) and been underwhelming in the surrounding two seasons.

Fortunately for him, he is primed to break out in 2018.

So far his camp has been terrific. Every time we read a report about training camp it seems to include a big play by Williams, including a sack during the Green and White scrimmage.

Of course that isn’t the only reason. After all he isn’t just going against first team offensive linemen. We can’t read a lot into tearing up backups.

However, players that are appearing around him are set up to allow Williams to be featured.

When the Jets defensive line was at its best, who opened things up for the playmakers? Damon Harrison. He and his 6-3, 341 pound self allowed Williams and Muhammad Wilkerson to make plays and stop the run.

Next. Three things to expect from the Jets in 2018. dark

These days they have the veteran Steve McLendon in the middle. He is getting occupying offensive linemen with his 6-3, 310 pounds of girth. And there is help on the way.

Nathan Shepherd stands in at 6-4, 315 pounds. Reports are indicating that he is impressing everyone in camp. He is getting reps with the first team and indications are he has a good shot to start opposite Williams.

Having two players of that size next to him will be music to Williams’ ears. They will both require attention from any offense trying to mount a successful attack. That means Williams will have more room to roam.

Williams will have every opportunity for a big 2018 season and it couldn’t come at a better time for him.

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