What to expect from Marcus Williams in 2017 with the Jets

Oct 30, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns running back Duke Johnson (29) is tackled by New York Jets cornerback Marcus Williams (20) during the second quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 30, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns running back Duke Johnson (29) is tackled by New York Jets cornerback Marcus Williams (20) during the second quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

Cornerback Marcus Williams of the New York Jets has been getting better and better every year, but he took a setback with an injury last year. Can he get back on track in 2017?

The New York Jets have had mediocre defensive back play for a while, but one light in the darkness has been cornerback Marcus Williams. In his three years in the NFL, he’s gotten nine interceptions, with six of those coming in 2015.

Unfortunately, he had quite the setback last season with a high ankle sprain. After the injury, some wonder if he can be the same cornerback he was. Make no mistake about it, he’ll be just fine this upcoming season.

While a high ankle sprain isn’t great, it’s something you can recover from. This guy has been working his tail off since arriving in 2014, and he doesn’t seem like the type of player who will get discouraged after one injury. He may have problems with speed, but it shouldn’t affect him much.

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The biggest upside about Williams’ gameplay is his awareness. He knows exactly where his man is going as he reads the quarterback really well. Williams almost has a sixth sense about where the football is going to be without having to look at it. This is a skill that shouldn’t be reduced by a high ankle sprain.

Fans can expect a great comeback season from Williams in 2017. He has shown that he wants to be that star cornerback for this team. 2017 is also a contract year for Williams, and as many people know, players tend to play much better in contract years.

The Jets made a really smart move by signing Morris Claiborne this offseason. If they use these players right by putting Claiborne on the right outside, Williams on the left outside and Buster Skrine in the nickel, they should have no problems at the cornerback position.

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