Jets add former Alabama star Quinnen Williams
The New York Jets selected defensive lineman Quinnen Williams out of Alabama with the third overall pick of the 2019 NFL Draft.
The Jets were actively pursuing a trade of the pick, ESPN's Adam Schefter reports, but were unable to find a dance partner.
As a result, New York selected what some pundits considered as not only the best defensive player, but the best prospect in the entire draft. He figures to lineup inside next to Steve McLendon with Leonard Williams and Henry Anderson operating on the outside.
The Jets are looking for a quick turnaround after a 4-12 season in 2018 and are hoping the 303-pounder will bolster their pass rush and run defense.
Prospect profile
School: Alabama
Height: 6-3
Weight: 303 lbs
Strengths
- Already an elite run defender - dominates linemen with stack, press, and shed and is a fantastic gap penetrator
- Excellent hand usage allowing him to control opposing offensive linemen
- Explodes off the snap with quick first step
- Very good lateral quickness and fluid in space
- Sure tackler with excellent pursuit speed
- Scheme versatile due to frame and skillset
- Times snaps and identifies play call quickly despite lack of experience
- Fantastic production in 2018 - arguably college football's top defensive player
- Can win with speed or pure strength
- Extremely disruptive hands - utilizes intense swipe, swim, and club moves
Weaknesses
- Can play with high pad level at times
- Only one season of starting snaps
- Doesn't have many pass-rush counters when first move is stymied
Bottom line
Williams is one of the premier prospects in the 2019 draft class. Though he has little starting experience, the Outland Trophy winner flashed utter dominance throughout every game he's played. Williams has very few flaws in his game and should provide instant impact against the run and as a pass-rusher. His best fit likely comes as a 3-technique, one-gap shooting defensive tackle in the pros, and he'll likely be a top-five pick. Simply put, Williams is a stud.