Leonard Williams lands with Jets after brief slide
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The New York Jets couldn't pass up defensive end Leonard Williams out of USC with the sixth overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft.
An incredibly dominant player throughout his college career, demonstrating the ability to impact the game both as a run defender and a pass rusher, Williams was thought by many to be the top prospect in the class.
Though the Jets already have one of the NFL's most dominant defensive lines and therefore could have gone elsewhere with this pick, the USC standout being available evidently made for an opportunity far too enticing to pass up.
Barring a trade of a player already on the roster at the position, Williams should combine with the likes of Sheldon Richardson and Muhammad Wilkerson to give the Jets a near unstoppable defensive front to build around for years to come.
Leonard Williams Bio
Position: DE
School: USC
College Experience: Junior
Height: 6-5
Weight: 302 lbs.
Age: 20
Combine Results
| Event | Result |
|---|---|
| 40-yd Dash | 4.97 sec |
| Bench Press | N/A |
| Vertical Jump | 29.5 inches |
| Broad Jump | 106 inches |
| 3-Cone Drill | 7.59 sec |
| 20-yd Shuttle | 4.53 sec |
Strengths
- Possesses a rare combination of power and quickness, allowing him to contribute at a number of different positions across either an odd- or even-base defensive front.
- Demonstrates high-level awareness as a run defender, easily finding the ball-carrier and disengaging from blocks to make the play.
- Was highly productive in his two-gap role defending the run on early downs, but also has the necessary burst to get upfield and become an extremely disruptive interior pass-rush presence at the next level.
- Consistently plays with a high motor, often outworking his opponent to make the play.
- Difficult to block because of his incredible power. Should only continue to get stronger and learn to better use his strength in the NFL.
Weaknesses
- Often appears slow off the snap, but mostly due to his placement in early-down read-and-react roles.
- Overall technique will need refining to best complement his natural physical abilities.
- Inconsistent with his pad level off the snap, occasionally getting too upright as a pass-rusher.