Jets' Williams feeling 'less pressure' after rookie season

With one NFL season under his belt, Leonard Williams is ready to emerge as an impact defender.

The New York Jets defensive lineman, who joined the club as the sixth overall pick in last year's draft, says there's less pressure heading into training camp this summer without the added pressure of being a rookie.

"It is different because last year I just kept thinking, 'rookie, rookie, rookie,' but now ... I know that I'm a pro now," Williams told Kaylee Pofahl of The New York Post. "I know the playbook now, so I don't have to think as much when I'm out there, I can just play. It's less pressure now that I'm not a rookie anymore, and I don't have to have that tag or label on me. It's just been more comfortable overall this year."

Williams started 15 of his 16 appearances in his debut season, immediately taking on a key role for a New York defense that finished the year ranked second in rushing yards allowed.

The next step in the 22-year-old's development is to make more of an impact in the passing game.

"You know, a lot of people think I had a good year last year. I think so too - for my first year - but I feel more comfortable this year, so I just wanna improve," Williams added. "I think I did really well in the running game last year, so during the offseason I've been working on my pass rushing."

Williams' continued progression, along with the established Pro Bowl talents of Sheldon Richardson and Muhammad Wilkerson, should once again give the Jets a dominant front three this fall.

His presence as a potential long-term centerpiece may also have the Jets more inclined to let Wilkerson play out his one-year franchise tender as opposed to handing out a contract in line with the current market.

- With h/t to Pro Football Talk