The Jets decided to stick with their No. 3 overall pick, and upgrade their defensive line by taking Alabama DT Quinnen Williams.
With the 49ers taking Ohio State's Nick Bosa, it appeared the Jets would trade out of their slot. Instead, they take the best interior lineman in college football this past season.
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The Jets were in a perfect position to get an elite defender in this draft, especially after the Cardinals made it official and took QB Kyler Murray first overall. And they made a great choice, taking Williams, whom they hope will have an Aaron Donald-like impact in the middle of their defense.
He is a powerful, fast player who said he believes he can be a "dominant" player in the NFL and he might be right. As one NFC scout told SNY: "He's the safest pick and best defensive player - maybe the best overall player -- in the draft."
It had to be a hard choice to pass on edge rusher Josh Allen, since that's a position where the Jets so desperately needed help. But Williams' presence in the center of new defensive coordinator Gregg Williams' pass rush could improve the edge rushers they already have.
One way or another, he's going to make an impact and the Jets' defense is much better now.
GRADE: A
Williams was the 2018 John Outland Trophy winner as well as a Consensus All-American, AP First-Team All-American, and First-Team All-SEC player during his sophomore season with the Crimson Tide.
At 6-foot-3, 303 pounds, Williams tallied 71 tackles, eight sacks, and 19.5 tackles for loss over 15 games. Williams is technically sound as he rushes into the backfield with his brute strength and strong hands. He is also very smart up front, as he seems to know what the other team is running before the ball is snapped.
Williams will be expected to jump right into Gregg Williams' 3-4 scheme this season, and should be a stout run stopper as well as someone who can get to the quarterback from time to time as well. His 4.83 speed is too bad for a player of his stature.
The Jets needed defensive line help, and coming from the revered program that has developed a mass amount of NFL players over the years, Williams was a no-brainer here.