Leonard Williams is one of the most dominant defensive lineman in the NFL. Since entering the league in 2015, Williams has made a name for himself as an unblockable force, capable of taking over games and wreaking havoc in the trenches. His combination of size, power, and speed makes him an intimidating opponent for any offensive lineman.
Williams has become one of the most feared defensive linemen in the league, both for his outstanding production and for his relentless motor. He’s a classic disruptor, capable of occupying offensive linemen in order to open up lanes for his teammates. Here is a closer look at the terrific career of Leonard Williams.
Early Career
Williams was born and raised in Greenville, North Carolina and attended East Carolina University. He chose to enroll in the school in part because of his hometown pride. As a freshman, he immediately made an impact, racking up 54 tackles and seven sacks.
In his sophomore year, he elevated his game even further, increasing his tackle total to 67 and his sack total to 11.5. This earned him a spot in the All-American rookie team. He concluded his college career with a Senior Bowl MVP performance and the Doak Walker Award – given to the nation’s best running back.
Williams entered the 2015 NFL Draft as one of the most highly-rated defensive prospects, and was selected sixth overall by the New York Jets.
Playing Style
Once he entered the league, it quickly became apparent that Williams was special. His combination of strength, speed, and agility made him incredibly hard to stop. He utilizes a variety of moves, from spin techniques to bull rushes, to get to the quarterback.
Williams’ combination of size and power make it entirely possible for him to dominate double teams, which he does on a regular basis. He also possesses great gap integrity, which means he rarely guess wrong when it comes to where the ball carrier is attempting to run.
Impressive Stats
Since entering the league in 2015, Williams has been one of the most productive defensive linemen in the NFL. Over the past five seasons, he has accumulated 219 total tackles, 42.5 sacks, five forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries.
Williams has earned Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors in 2019 after recording 66 tackles and 11.5 sacks while leading the Jets in both categories.
What’s Next
This offseason, Williams was traded to the New York Giants, a move that shocked many. It appears that he will remain a defensive lineman in New York, a role he is undeniably suited for. It’s fair to say that Giants fans should be excited for the upcoming season, as Williams’ presence will undoubtedly help bolster their front seven.
Leonard Williams is undoubtedly one of the best defensive players in the NFL today. His combination of size, power, and speed make him a menace in the trenches, as evidenced by his impressive career stats. He will be an immense help to the New York Giants as they look to bolster their front seven for the upcoming season. Whatever happens for Williams this season, one thing is for sure: expect him to continue to be an unblockable force.
