NFL
Dominant Interior Lineman Quinnen Williams Drafted Third Overall by the New York Jets
The true greats take the opportunity to learn from the veterans when given an opportunity. Alabama defensive lineman Quinnen Williams was no different. Williams was a four-star recruit out of Wenonah High School in Birmingham, Alabama. Just an hour away from Tuscaloosa, the Alabama Crimson Tide was the only visit for Williams. Grabbing the 155th best prospect in the nation capped off a stellar 2016 recruiting class for the Tide.
Williams arrived in Tuscaloosa and received a redshirt for the 2016 season. Yet Williams used this to his advantage. He embraced an opportunity to learn from the likes of Da’Shawn Hand, Johnathan Allen, and Da’Ron Payne. Three years later, he’s now recognized by some as the best prospect in the draft.
Alabama Career
RS-Sophomore Year
After receiving a redshirt in 2016, Williams played in nine games in 2017. He provided key depth to a defensive line that included the aforementioned Da’Shawn Hand and Da’ron Payne. Williams totaled 20 tackles (6.5 for loss) and 2 sacks in his Redshirt Sophomore year. His best showing came in a matchup against a 19th-ranked LSU Tigers team. Williams piled on five total tackles (two for loss) and one sack in the matchup, leading Alabama to a 24-10 victory over LSU. While this game was a flash of what Williams could be for the Tide, he was sure to exceed all expectations the following season.
RS-Junior Year
William’s Redshirt Junior season was a Masterclass on how to perform as an interior defensive lineman. In fact, Williams wasted little time with his “coming out” party, screaming through the Louisville Cardinals’ defensive line for 3.5 tackles for loss in Alabama’s season opener. Williams would continue to dominate for the rest of the season, most notably his otherworldly performances against the LSU Tigers (once again) and the Georgia Bulldogs. Williams secured a career-high in tackles and sacks in the matchup, piling on ten total tackles (3.5 for loss) and 2.5 sacks in the 29-0 thrashing of the then fourth-ranked LSU Tigers. The Georgia performance came in the SEC Championship, where Williams netted eight total tackles (two for loss) and a sack.
Williams played in 15 games in his 2018 season and racked up 71 total tackles (19.5 for loss), eight sacks, and a pass deflection. Williams ranked in the top five in sacks (#5) and tackles for loss (#2) in the SEC with 8.0 and 20.0, respectively. Showcasing the ability to disrupt any offense that stood in front of him, the Birmingham native received Consensus All-America honors as well as secured the John Outland Trophy, awarded to the best interior lineman in the nation. Williams was one of three consensus All-Americans for the Tide.
Best Of His Class
Quinnen Williams received the highest prospect grade of the 2019 NFL Draft class from NFL Network. Williams has also received high praise from NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremih, Bleacher Report, and CBSSports, each pegging Williams as the second-best prospect only behind Ohio State Defensive Lineman Nick Bosa. Wherever you rank the big guy, he will dominate at the next level because of the following on-field traits:
Quickness
Although Quinnen Williams had the fastest 40-yard dash time of all interior lineman, this is more in relation to his playing quickness. Williams showcases quickness in all aspects of his game — most notably, with his hands. Watching the game film showcases Williams’ hand speed, as he quickly gets his hands in blockers’ chests to generate leverage.
Williams also showcases quickness in his pursuit for the ball. The Alabama product takes great angles and has the speed to make tackles downfield. He also has an extremely quick burst off the line that gives him an edge in the pass rush.
Instinct
One trait that has been common among Alabama defensive lineman is just how keen their instincts are. The mantra is certainly no different with Quinnen Williams. Williams has the ability to see the play develop before it happens, often putting himself in position to make great plays.
Williams also showcases an understanding of how opposing offensive lineman want to attack him. This allows him to gain an advantage in positioning and to maintain adequate leverage. His knack to find a way to the ball is why he’s one of the most touted prospects of the class.
Great Production
Scouts are always told to be aware of the one-year production guy. However, with a season like Williams’ Junior Year, it still holds a lot of weight. Williams provided an elite pass rush from the interior, with very similar production to former teammate Jonathan Allen.
Williams set up shop in the opposing backfield all season long, trailing only Kentucky linebacker Josh Allen in tackles for loss in the SEC. Additionally, a dominating performance against a 4th ranked LSU team secured Williams status as the best interior defensive lineman in the nation. Look for Williams to build on an all-world Junior year as a rookie in the pros.
Photo Credit
Featured image courtesy of Zennie Abraham via Flickr and NFL Comm.
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