Jets 2018 Training Camp Profile: LB Avery Williamson

The New York Jets acquired linebacker Avery Williamson during free agency to help lead the group. Can Williamson be the rock in the middle of the Jets defense in 2018?

The New York Jets upgraded their linebacker group during free agency, signing former Tennessee Titans linebacker Avery Williamson. Williamson signed a three-year $22.5 million contract to join the Jets. He is a great signing for the Jets as he brings leadership and playmaking ability to a group that needs a reliable signal caller.

Williamson joins Darron Lee to help man the middle of the Jets defense and be the defensive signal caller on the field. The Jets are expecting Williamson and Lee to help improve an up and coming group.

2017 SEASON REVIEW

Williamson had a great season for the Titans in 2017, recording 92 total tackles, three sacks, and two forced fumbles. He also graded very well with Pro Football Focus, finishing the season as the 10th best linebacker in the NFL. Since 2015, Williamson has recorded 98 run stops, the third-most among inside linebackers in that span. In coverage, he has allowed a reception once every 12.6 coverage snaps, which is the fourth-best mark among linebackers with at least 75 targets in that span.

The Titans opted to let Williamson walk in free agency and get younger at the linebacker position in the 2018 NFL Draft. The Titans drafted linebackers Rashaan Evans and Harold Landry.

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2018 SEASON PREDICTION

As you can see from the PFF grade of Williamson, he is a Pro Bowl caliber linebacker who is capable of being the rock for any linebacker group. It will take time for Williamson to become fully comfortable in the Jets defense but it shouldn’t take long for Williamson to make plays all over the field.

In Episode 2 of One Jets Drive on Facebook Watch, Williamson described how he felt joining the Jets. Here is what Williamson had to say:

Moving to New York was so different. I have been up here quite a few times during my career, but I never thought I would be moving up here. When I got the call that the Jets might be the team I could possibly go to, I was kind of nervous. It is different, but it is a good different.

The Jets are expecting great things out of Williamson and the rest of the linebackers this upcoming season. Expect Williamson strong push, along with Lee, to lead the team in tackles.

TRAINING CAMP PREDICTION

Williamson will ultimately make the team and the middle linebacker tandem of him and Lee has the potential to be a very good one. Both are young and hungry to become two of the best middle linebackers in the NFL. It will be interesting to see how quick the chemistry and communication can develop between the two during training camp.