FanPost

Leonard Williams

As Jaguars fans, we know what it's like to face an amazing defensive end like JJ Watt twice a year. Imagine if the Jaguars had JJ Watt as their 5-tech. A role in which the main duty is to two gap and stop the run, but where quickness and athletiscm give you a bonus. Insert JJ Watt on this defense and the Jaguars best pass rusher isn't a LEO. This D-Line would wreck so much havoc they would win the game by themselves.

The Jaguars will likely be picking top five again next off-season, and a player they should really consider is Leonard Williams the DT/DE from USC. Leonard Williams is arguably the top defender in the nation. Here's a little profile on him by yours truly.

Leonard Williams:

Height: 6'5"

Weight: 300 lbs

Age: 20

Positives:

  • Versatile - Has played different every position on USC's defensive line.
  • Toughness - Plays through injury and still makes a huge impact.
  • Athleticism - As Bucky Brooks put it, "He movies like a running back on the tuf, but possesses the size and strength to overpower the offensive lineman at the point of attack." Projected to run anywhere between 4.75 and 5 seconds.
  • Quickness - Exceptional first step with great short area quickness and acceleration.
  • Block Shedding - Excellent at using his strength and hand placement to shed blocks.
  • Length - Extremely long at 6'5", bats down a lot of passes.

Negatives:

  • Pad level - Williams often plays too high allowing guards to get underneath his pads and drive him backwards.
  • Inconsistent Motor - At times, Williams will have a relentless motor and chase down the ball carrier, other times if he feels that he's already out of the play he will jog until the whistle.

Player Comparison:

It's early, but I see the comparison to JJ Watt coming out. Coming out of college JJ Watt was that extremely long, versatile, athletic defensive lineman from Wisconsin. He had a great first step, and was good at closing on the QB, but was sometimes caught too high and would get blocked out of plays. The big difference between the two would be the motor, as Watt's motor was one of his biggest assets as he never quit on a play and he continues to never quit on a play.

Where Does He Fit:

The Jaguars have more pressing needs at FS and MLB depending on who you talk to. Even the LEO position could use an upgrade as Chris Clemons appears to be struggling. The Jaguars just signed Red Bryant to a four year contract worth 19 million, Sen Derrick Marks to a four year contract extension worth 18 million, and Ziggy Hood to a four year deal worth 16 million. That's two 3-techs and a 5-tech, while former first round pick Tyson Alualu is still on the roster. Well Red Bryant will be 31 years old in April, and while he is still playing at a high level, he will begin to regress. Ziggy Hood hasn't showed anything and seems like a free agent bust. Alualu is efficient, but will be a free agent in 2016 if he doesn't choose to void his final year of his contract. If the Jaguars were to cut Bryant or Hood next season it would result in no dead money against the cap. The Jaguars could draft Williams, and let him compete. Personally I'd cut Ziggy Hood, and let him rotate behind Sen'Derrick Marks at the 3-tech and Red Bryant at the 5-tech. Try to resign Alualu as he is effective and can play both roles. And in 2016 hand the starting 5-tech position over to Williams, and cut Red Bryant.

If the Jaguars were to have half the player JJ Watt is in their scheme along Sen'Derrick Marks with Ryan Davis/Andre Branch at the LEO, the Jaguars could definitely achieve 50 sacks a season at least. When the Jaguars are in their base 4 man D-Line with a LEO, 1T, 3T, and 5T, they only have 2 pass rushers due to the scheme. The LEO and 3T are the pass rushers while the 1T and 5T are mainly just eating up double teams. Not saying that they don't rush the passer, but the scheme isn't designed for them to be consistently getting after the QB. Insert Leonard Williams and you have an additional pass rushing threat on the edge. The stunt move with Marks and Williams...oh my!

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