The Indianapolis Colts currently own a 3-2 record, but there are areas of their roster that could be improved by making a trade. Among the possibilities, the Colts should look into acquiring Leonard Williams from the New York Jets.
The Jets are near the bottom of the NFL with a 1-4 record, and they have to begin looking at their future. Williams is definitely a player who New York could look to move to acquire some draft capital.
In 2015, Williams began his career with the Jets as a rookie out of USC. From 2015-2018, the former Trojan accumulated 17 sacks, 32 tackles for loss, and 85 hits on the quarterback.
However, this season, his production has declined with him totaling zero sacks, zero tackles for loss, and just four hits on the quarterback. As a result, Williams is an expendable option for the Jets moving forward.
With the Jets, Williams is used as a 3-4 defensive end that is capable of stopping the run and rushing the passer. As for the Colts, they'd likely ask him to move inside as a defensive tackle in their 4-3 defensive scheme.
Currently, Margus Hunt and Denico Autry are the starters at the defensive tackle position for Indianapolis. If Williams were to be acquired, he'd become a starter, and it would give the Colts a formidable group of interior defensive linemen that can rotate in.
Another reason why Williams could be moved is that he is in the final year of his rookie contract. Due to that, New York could make him available to teams like the Colts, who could use some defensive help.
Through six weeks, Indianapolis has the 19th ranked run defense in the NFL. Even though, aside from their games against the Atlanta Falcons and Kansas City Chiefs (teams who are near the bottom of the league in rushing offense), they have been gashed on the ground.
Furthermore, in the other three games, they've given up an average of 145.6 rushing yards per game. With Darius Leonard nearing a return, it would help him to have a formidable defensive lineman in front of him.
In addition, the Colts have just 13 sacks (18th in the NFL) as a defensive unit to begin the season. With those things in mind, bringing in Williams would vastly improve the defense.
Yes, Williams' numbers this season aren't anything to be impressed by. But being traded to a possible contending team can inject him with some motivation.
Also, maybe Williams would serve best as a 4-3 defensive tackle rather than a 3-4 defensive end. Chris Ballard would be wise to call the Jets to see Williams' availability as the trade deadline nears.
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