2019 NFL Draft: Grading every first-round pick after rookie year

3. Quinnen Williams, DT, New York Jets

2019 Stats: 28 total tackles, 2.5 sacks, 1 pass defended, 1 fumble recovered

When you’re the third overall pick as a defensive tackle, a certain about of immediate impact is to be expected. While there were a few brief flashes for Quinnen Williams during his rookie campaign with the New York Jets, his first season as a whole was a disappointment.

The Jets just didn’t get the disruptive force in the middle of the defense they were expecting from the Alabama product. During his final season with the Crimson Tide, Williams was one of the most feared interior pass rushers we’ve ever seen in college football. Did that translate to the NFL? Not in the least bit, even when you consider he managed 2.5 sacks.

With that said, there were signs of a brighter future. Williams is still very young for an NFL player, and he did some promise as a run defender in 2019. While he was nearly irrelevant as a pass rusher, the upside is still there.

It’s going to take a momentous effort from Williams in 2020 to stave off the bust labels. Especially if continues to struggle when it comes to collapsing the pocket, we could soon hear Jets fans calling for a trade. For Williams’ sake, let’s hope a full year under his belt will help him unleash his full potential as a sophomore.

Grade: C