New York Jets select Quinnen Williams: Grade, reaction for 2019 NFL Draft
The New York Jets selected Quinnen Williams from the University of Alabama with the third overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft. Grading that selection.
The 2019 NFL Draft is underway in Nashville and the New York Jets were featured early on during the proceedings by selecting defensive tackle Quinnen Williams with the third overall pick in the first round. General manager Mike Maccagnan has a great deal riding on this draft — the pressure is immense for him to come through with flying colors. So far, so good.
This pick was a no-brainer. The University of Alabama product won the Outland Trophy as the country’s top interior lineman last year, leading the Crimson Tide to a 14-1 record and a berth in the National Championship Game against Clemson.
The 6-3, 303-pounder recorded a team-high 19.5 tackles for loss and eight sacks in 2018. He finished his sophomore season with 71 tackles in all and 12 quarterback hits. Williams is an impressive blend of raw power, quickness and impact at the point of attack. He is now the highest-drafted defensive performer in club history.
The Birmingham, AL native was considered the premier defensive tackle in this year’s draft and his NFL Combine showing left little doubt. He ran the 40-yard dash in just 4.83 seconds and owns superior lateral quickness as well.
Williams jumped off the screen of any video you watched of him by becoming a dominant force in the toughest conference in the nation, the SEC. He’ll team with former Pro Bowler Leonard Williams in New York’s 3-4 base front and provide Gang Green with a formidable 1-2 punch in Gregg Williams defensive corps.
While Quinnen Williams needs to refine some of his technique at the next level, his ceiling is sky-high and he has perennial Pro Bowl potential. Quinnen Williams had no injury history to worry about and he’s known for having a live motor. Maccagnan could not go wrong with this selection.
Next. 2019 NFL Draft tracker: Instant grades for Round 1. dark
While I would have preferred Kentucky’s Josh Allen in this spot because of New York’s need for a pure edge rusher, grabbing Quinnen Williams was a safe and sound choice. The Jets defense, led by Williams and Williams, C.J. Mosley and Jamal Adams, is finally rising from the ashes of a dreadful 2018 campaign. Selecting Quinnen Williams was an excellent pick. An easy one too.
Grade: A