The pleasant surprise that is Avery Williamson

So far this season, linebacker Avery Williamson has been a pleasant surprise for the New York Jets as he’s overachieving and making quite the name for himself.

When general manager Mike Maccagnan made the decision to acquire linebacker Avery Williamson this offseason, he knew that it would be a huge addition to the New York Jets defense. Williamson signed a three-year contract worth about $22.5 million and has so far been a pleasant surprise for the Jets.

Seven weeks into the regular season, Williamson has totaled 44 tackles, two sacks, one fumble recovery, and yes, even an interception. The experienced starter has been a catalyst on defense as he’s making everyone around him better, even Darron Lee.

By the looks of it, Maccagnan’s decision to sign William has been the best offseason move the Jets have made since he’s just getting started. Besides everything Williamson does on the gridiron, he’s been a vocal leader in the locker room as well.

More from The Jet Press

• NY Jets: Why the team should target cornerback Shaquill Griffin
• NY Jets reportedly non-tendering linebacker Harvey Langi
• NY Jets: Why the team should not cut Jamison Crowder
• NY Jets should try to sign Kenny Golladay in free agency
• NY Jets: Jonnu Smith would be a smart free-agent target

Not only does Williamson believe the Jets could indeed surprise many this season, he sees a big change in the mindset of the locker room. It’s easy to see that the players are a lot more focused on the task at hand and so far, no major distractions have hit this team in any way, shape, or form.

With their toughest game so far this season coming on Sunday in Week 7 action against the Minnesota Vikings, Williamson will be a big part as to what this team is made out of. Despite getting hit with injuries to Marcus Maye and Quincy Enunwa on offense, can the Jets defense pick up the slack and be the main strength of the team come game time?

That will all be determined on Sunday but one thing is for sure, Williamson has been one heck of an acquisition by the Jets and he looks to be a building block for the future. At the rate he’s going, he could very well end up being one of the top performers on defense once all is set and done.