Making the Case for the Jets to draft Quinnen Williams

If the New York Jets have the chance to draft Alabama defensive lineman Quinnen Williams with the No. 3 pick in the 2019 NFL draft, they should absolutely pull the trigger.

Quinnen Williams has begun to get some momentum as the potential No. 1 overall pick. Ian Rapoport of NFL Network recently said on Total Access that he would be “very surprised” if Quinnen Williams will be available at 3rd overall. He went on to say that some teams consider him the best player in the draft, “regardless of position.” Despite the increasing unlikelihood of him being there when the Jets are on the clock, they are at least doing their due diligence.

Kimberly Jones of NFL Media announced that Williams will be meeting with the Jets on April 16:

Quinnen Williams scheduled to visit #Jets (4/16) & #Giants (4/17). Prediction: Both teams will love him. @QuinnenWilliams made great impression in 15-minute interviews in Indy, incl on white board. Personal story is moving. Jets could have — will have — enormous decision at 3.

— Kimberly Jones (@KimJonesSports) April 4, 2019

Although the Jets have a more glaring needs at pass rusher and on the offensive line, they realize that Quinnen Williams is a top tier prospect. In a story released by  NFL.com in February, Quinnen Williams made his case for going number one.

He spoke a lot about Aaron Donald in that piece. Specifically in regards to Aaron Donald’s body, “I’m trying to get that body.” Not a bad goal to have. Aaron Donald is arguably the best defensive player in the game right now, and much of this is due to sheer athleticism.

Some may say that there isn’t a need at interior lineman, so the Jets should avoid Quinnen Williams if he is available. In today’s NFL, you can never have enough good defensive lineman, especially those with Williams skill set. On the current roster, only veteran Steve Mclendon is signed as a reliable Nose Tackle. With Mclendon only under contract for one more year, the need is bigger than people think.

The ripple effects of adding a Quinnen Willaims to the Jets front 7 would be huge. Despite being considered somewhat undersized by some scouts, Williams will draw a lot of attention. This will free up some one on one opportunities for former first round pick and pro-bowler Leonard Williams. Don’t forget about Henry Anderson, who was brought back after having a great second half of 2018.

It is never a sure thing in the NFL Draft, so drafting for an immediate need isn’t always the best decision. The Jets have been using this strategy in recent years, which is why they landed stars like Leonard Williams and Jamal Adams. Josh Allen has been linked to the Jets due to need, and his unlimited potential. The Jets will have quite the decision if both players are available for them at 3.

Look for the Jets to take the best player available if they stay put in this years draft. With Quinnen Williams likely to be gone when they are on the clock, the Jets may have to settle for the next best option. However if they are lucky enough to have him fall to them, they should not hesitate. Hopefully this tweet from earlier in the offseason is a sign of things to come:

It’s a blessing to workout with guys I look up to and try to model my game after ?? @leonardwilliams pic.twitter.com/zSIs8AQWnT

— Quinnen Williams (@QuinnenWilliams) February 21, 2019