New York Jets defensive tackle Quinnen Williams recently made the NFL’s annual Top 100 players list. His inclusion was somewhat bittersweet. Despite appearing at No. 37 in 2024, Williams dropped 50 spots this year, to 87th overall.
The offseason accolades keep rolling in, however. ESPN recently began releasing their annual positional rankings. Kicking things off with defensive tackles, Williams appeared at No. 5. Keeping the theme going, Williams fell three spots from last year’s placement (No. 2).
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“True three-down player — talented inside rusher who is fully capable against the run,” an NFL personnel staffer said.
Williams’ downgraded stats in 2024 are mentioned. His pass-rush-win-rate (13.4%), incompletions credited (16) and quarterback hits (18) are among the numbers that weren’t as effective as previous seasons. In 16 games played last season, Williams recorded 37 tackles, including eight for loss, and six sacks.
“He’s a guy you have to dedicate a game plan to,” an NFL coordinator said. “One of the most complete interior guys in the game.”
Williams is still gaining leaguewide notoriety this offseason, but with the acknowledgement that 2024 wasn’t his best performance. Hopefully new defensive-minded head coach Aaron Glenn will fully unlock Williams’ abilities again this season. The Jets need him to be a difference maker.
This article originally appeared on Jets Wire: ESPN: New York Jets DT Quinnen Williams cracks positional rankings