The New York Jets will be looking to take over the league with a young and rejuvenated defense, and defensive end Leonard Williams will play a massive role in this approach. After having a down 2017 in which Williams racked up just two sacks and 47 tackles, he will look to bounce back in the season ahead.
In 2016, Williams finished with 68 tackles and seven sacks, proving to be a fantastic addition with tons of potential. Well, the sophomore slump is a real thing, don’t you doubt it.
With a stout secondary and a developing but knowledgeable linebacker core, this could be the year for Williams to do what he does best – sacking the quarterback. With Trumaine Johnson locking up the No. 1 receiver and Morris Claiborne holding the opposing No. 2, we can only hope they can provide Williams with the time to beat his assignment and get after the quarterback.
Not to mention securing the run game with his buddy Steve McLendon right beside him who has shown promise with a career high 46 tackles and a career medium of 1.5 sacks. More will be expected from the two defensive lineman in 2018, as head coach Todd Bowles will look to utilize them in specified packages and every-down duties.
It’s Williams’ time to shine for the New York Jets:
After Sheldon Richardson took his talents to the Seattle Seahawks two years ago and Muhammad Wilkerson sped off to the Green Bay Packers this year, we are left with one defensive stronghold left, Leonard Williams.
Both Wilkerson and Richardson combined for a total of 51 sacks and 483 tackles in their four-year span together from 2013-2016. That averages out to about 12.5 sacks and 120 tackles per season. I predict that Williams will reach at least 10 sacks this season and will have at least 60 tackles. These predictions are not bold, because this is the last year on Williams’s rookie contract after it was exercised by the Jets.