New York Jets defensive tackle Quinnen Williams struggled to fit the billing as the No. 3 pick in the 2019 NFL Draft. Although the restrictions placed in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic have led to an unprecedented offseason, he is optimistic about a resurgence in the 2020 NFL season.
The Jets have been dealt some major blows to their defense going into the season. Fortunately, Williams is confident that he is primed for a big year, via Rich Cimini of ESPN:
Article Continues Below“I feel like I’m tapped into that zone, tapped into that level that I’m going to be unstoppable. . . . I just feel it, man,” Williams said. “I’m in great shape, great condition. I got my body fat down. I’m rocking and rolling. I feel myself being that person that they drafted me to be. I feel like I’m coming into that person — a dominant defensive tackle in the NFL.”
Williams' career in New York got off to a rough start start after finishing the 2019 campaign with 28 tackles, 2.5 sacks and 1 fumble recovery. However, it is encouraging to see that the underwhelming rookie season only served as motivation to improve.
Williams will now have a chance to truly establish himself as the anchor of this Jets defense that is dealing with some significant turnover. The saga surrounding safety Jamal Adams officially came to an end following his trade to the Seattle Seahawks. Meanwhile, linebacker C.J. Mosley has opted out of playing in the 2020 campaign due to the risks involved with the ongoing pandemic.
As a result, the onus will now fall on the young, unproven players like Williams to pick up the slack.