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New York Jets add to ‘stacked’ D-line with Leonard Williams

By Stephen Forsha

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The New York Jets hit the lottery Thursday night by selecting USC defensive end Leonard Williams with the sixth overall selection of the 2015 NFL Draft.

That’s said because more than one expert had Williams as the best player rated in the draft, not just as the best defensive end, including Mike Mayock of NFL.com

Mayock said of the draft selection by the Jets on NFL.com:

"“Williams was the best player in the draft regardless of position. If you’re the Jets, you had to take him. The sky’s the limit with this kid. He’s stout against the run and athletic as can be.”"

The defensive end could change the way the Jets are looked at defense position under first-year head coach Todd Bowles, who is known for his ability to coach a defense, proving that with his body of work as the defensive coordinator with the Arizona Cardinals.

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In 13 games this past season with the Trojans, Williams totaled 80 tackles (48 solo) and 9.5 of those tackles were for a loss. He also had one interception and seven sacks. The defensive end also had three forced fumbles, three pass deflections and two quarterback hurries.

This choice has Bowles written all over it, as Rich Cimini of ESPN New York wrote the following when the Jets hired their head coach this offseason:

"“In Bowles, the Jets are getting a highly-respected defensive coach. Despite the loss of several starters, the Cardinals finished fifth in points allowed. Beset by quarterback injuries, the Cardinals rode the defense to an 11-5 record and a Wild-Card berth.”"

With the Jets coming off a four-win season in ’14 it is evident they needed help on both sides of the ball, and Williams is a player who can make an immediate impact, though they had nice pieces already on the defensive line.

The Jets run a 3-4 defensive scheme and Williams can provide a player who possesses not only “elite power,” but “athleticism.”

Lance Zierlein of NFL.com wrote this in a pre-draft profile of the defensive end:

"“With coaching and more experience, Williams should be able to match the athleticism with the power and become a consistent Pro Bowler with a ceiling that goes even higher than that.”"

Currently the three defensive ends listed on their roster are Stephen Bowen, Ikemefuna Enemkpali, and Ronald Talley. Muhammad Wilkerson (though he could be traded) is also listed on the Jets’ defensive line roster, so Williams can work his way into a starting role during training camp this summer.

Dan Hanzus of NFL.com describes the Jets’ defensive line as being loaded:

"“(Williams adds) another dynamic piece to a stacked defensive line. Williams, a stud interior lineman with athleticism and uncommon power, is believed by many draft analysts to be the best player in his class.”"

The defensive tackles of the Jets are Sheldon Richardson, T.J. Barnes, Leger Douzable and Kevin Vickerson.

Again, I can’t say this enough … the Jets though they needed help elsewhere in the draft, Williams was a choice that turned a good defensive line into a possible elite defensive line with a little time.

The sky is the limit for Williams and it could be possible teams who passed on him will be shaking their heads come the end of the season with the possible season Williams could have as a rookie.

Next: Bears: Kevin White a home run at No. 7

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