The New York Jets selected Quinnen Williams third overall in the 2019 NFL draft. Williams was a talented young prospect with a ton of potential. Williams has been a very good player throughout his first three years with the Jets.
Now, as he enters year four at 24-years-old, the expectation is that Williams will break out. He was drafted with the third pick to be a difference-making, dominant 3-technique defensive tackle. It is worth noting that a great breakout impact from Williams may not entirely show up on the stat sheet. Nonetheless, let’s take a look at what the final stat line for Williams should look like in 2022.
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Assessing past production
During his three seasons as a Jet, Williams has played in 41 games and has 1,712 snaps accumulated. He has 15.5 total sacks to this point, with a career-best of seven in 2020. Williams also had 10 tackles for loss that year, the best of his three to this point. Last season, in 15 games, he recorded six sacks.
Per PFF, Williams has had 23 hurries each of the last two years. He had eight quarterback hits two years ago and four last season. His total pressure amount was 39 in 2020 and 34 in 2021. Over the last two years, Williams’ total tackle amount has been consistent with 55 and 53 last year. Williams had 38 run stops in 2020 and 35 in 2021.
Projecting 2022 stats
Starting in terms of availability, Williams has been consistent for the Jets his first three years. It is fair to anticipate at least 15 games played and 625 snaps this year. Williams should have at least 60 total tackles. In terms of sacks, for a breakout year, Williams should get roughly 10 in 2022. If so, this would put him toward the top of the defensive tackle position. His tackle for loss amount should be around 15.
When it comes to quarterback hurries, Williams should have 30 this season. It would be a nice improvement from 23 each of the last two seasons. He should have over 10 quarterback hits in his fourth year. In terms of total pressures as a pass rusher, Williams should get around 50 on the year. It would be a nice improvement from 39 and 34 each of the last two seasons. As a run stopper, Williams should total 45 run stops by the end of the season. That would be a steady improvement from his career-high of 38 in 2020. Finally, forcing a few fumbles and generating turnovers for the Jets’ defense would be fantastic.
Ultimately, for a breakout year, Williams should conclude 2022 with 10 sacks and 50 total pressures. The situation around him is the best it’s been. He is healthy and now in year two of Robert Saleh and Jeff Ulbrich’s scheme that suits his skill set. On the defensive line, Carl Lawson is healthy, and Jermaine Johnson will be opposite him. This will allow John Franklin-Myers to be back inside as a pass rusher. Williams is in the perfect position to finally have a big breakout season as he looks for a second contract with the Jets.