NY Jets believe Quincy Williams can be a Pro Bowler in 2022

The NY Jets were ecstatic when they were able to claim former Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Quincy Williams off waivers shortly before the first game of the 2021 season.

The brother of Jets star Quinnen Williams, Quincy Williams didn't join the Jets roster as some product of nepotism or as a favor to his brother. Instead, the Jets genuinely believe that the sky is the limit for the older Williams brother.

The Athletic's Connor Hughes reported on Friday that the Jets believe Williams could become a legitimate Pro Bowler if he reaches his potential under head coach Robert Saleh.

Williams experienced his fair share of ups and downs in his first season with the organization, but the Jets believe "a full offseason and a better understanding of the defense" will allow the 25-year-old linebacker to harness some of his immense potential.

The NY Jets have high hopes for Quincy Williams in 2022

A third-round pick of the Jaguars in the 2019 NFL Draft, Williams never found his way in Jacksonville and was sent packing after just two disappointing seasons. The Jets identified the Murray State product as someone who was tailor-made for their defensive system.

He was fast, athletic, rangy, a little undersized, and someone who played with a motor that never ran cold. Williams exemplified everything the Jets look for at the linebacker position.

And there were times this past season where Williams flashed his upside. He was a speeding bullet shot out of a cannon who would seemingly make his presence felt with a memorable hit at least once per game.

That aggression and relentless motor would work against him at times, however. Williams had a tendency to run himself out of plays both in coverage and run defense. He ranked third-worst in the NFL with a 12.1 percent missed tackle rate among linebackers to play at least 400 run defense snaps.

Pro Football Focus didn't exactly love him either as Williams' 44.2 grade ranked 70th among 87 qualified linebackers. The Jets saw Williams' growing pains in his first year with the team, but they have high hopes for what he could accomplish in year two.

Despite a seemingly glaring need to address the linebacker position this offseason, the Jets opted not to make any significant additions due in part to their belief in Williams.

Joe Douglas has hit on a number of waiver-wire claims throughout his tenure with the organization. The Jets are hoping that Quincy Williams can become the team's next success story.