NY Jets: The emergence of Marcus Williams

With the emergence of cornerback Marcus Williams, the NY Jets and their defensive secondary continue to thrive thanks to his presence.

Dee Milliner and Dexter McDougle have been the most talked about youth in the Jets’ defensive secondary. It would now appear, Williams is out to make a case for his name to be included in that conversation. Williams has certainly proven he belongs, and the Jets coaching staff is noticing.

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Williams if you recall, was signed to the Jets’ practice squad last September to add depth to a decimated secondary.

By October, the Jets’ secondary was being cut to pieces and Rex Ryan brought Williams to the active roster for his debut. Williams responded nicely, recording seven tackles and a pass defense.

Williams played in the final eight games for the Jets, as Ryan experimented with the young rookie. Williams caught on quickly, quietly putting up 37 tackles, one interception, 7 pass defenses and one run stop at the line of scrimmage.

Williams is listed as 5’11″/196 pounds on the Jets’ roster. He’s just 24 years old and played his college football at North Dakota State University. While at North Dakota, Williams set the school record for career interceptions, with 21 picks to his credit. Williams failed to get the nod in the 2014 NFL Draft, but was signed in May by the Houston Texans. Failing to make the final cut, Williams got the call from the Jets on September 26 to join their practice squad.

Oct 4, 2015; London, ENG; New York Jets cornerback Marcus Williams (20) intercepts a pass intended for Miami Dolphins tight end Jordan Cameron (84) at Wembley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Flynn-USA TODAY Sports

This year, Williams has made a name for himself with the new coaching staff by having a terrific camp that he carried into the preseason very well. Williams made the final cut and his work ethic plus hard work have earned him playing time in one of the most talented secondaries in the NFL. Williams is still developing his game, but where better to do that then under the tutelage of the likes of Darrelle Revis and Antonio Cromartie.?

Williams has seized his opportunity, he’s worked hard honing his skills and it has shown already in this young season. Williams has already proven he is a valuable member on special teams. Utilizing his speed and excellent tackling skills, Williams is a key member of the Jets’ specials teams and his role continues to grow. In the secondary, Williams has seen actions in all four games this year. In duty behind the starters, Williams has once again quietly put up 7 tackles, 4 pass defenses and 2 interceptions.

He is an emerging star in this secondary. In my opinion, he’s earned a inclusion in any discussion concerning the future at cornerback for the Jets. So, move on over Milliner, same goes for you McDougle, there is a new young gun on the Jets’ roster and he’s making some noise! Williams development is a great development for the team, already loaded with talent at corner, but losing Milliner to injury, he has has stepped up and performed. Jets have little invested in this young man, so these type of stories are always welcome.

That’s how I see Williams. Time to hear your thoughts so please leave us a comment below and Let’s Talk Jet Football!

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