How USC’s 2015 Draftees Fit in the NFL
Leonard Williams – New York Jets
May 8, 2015; Florham Park, NY, USA; New York Jets rookie defensive lineman Leonard Williams (62) runs drills during rookie minicamp at the Atlantic Health Jets Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Leonard Williams “fell” to the Jets as the 6th overall pick of the draft.
While we certainly won’t know for sure until games are played, this is as close to a perfect fit as we have in this year’s draft.
Williams will be joining an already stacked defense and an exceptionally loaded defensive line with the likes of Sheldon Richardson, Muhammad Wilkerson and Quinton Coples.
The fact that the Jets will not need to rely solely on a rookie to generate a pass rush or hold the line against the run will be a major advantage to his development.
It means that if Williams earns his place as a starter he will most likely not be facing double teams (as he did almost every game in college) and be able to contribute early and often this season. Another advantage for him, and the Jets, is the division in which they play (AFC East).
While it seems that each team has made improvements to their rosters thus far, the AFC East certainly doesn’t scare many people with exceptional Quarterback play (outside of Tom Brady,who could very well be suspended for the week 7 game against the Jets or worse).
To me, the most important part of fitting on a team is the coaching staff. Pepper Johnson has 16 years of NFL coaching experience and is a very good D-Line coach and Todd Bowles is known as a great defensive-minded head coach as well.
Leonard Williams could not have found a better fit here.
Fit Grade: A
Next: Nelson Agholor