New York Giants Top 7 Most Critical Players of 2020: DL Leonard Williams
The Giants traded valuable draft assets to the New York Jets for a 25-year-old defensive lineman named Leonard Williams.
It was presumed, at least by me, that the talented, but underperforming, Williams would have a favorable contract by the off-season, but that proved to be a flawed assumption.
Although, this should not generate the opinion of Williams being persona-non-grata here in New York.
After only recording half a sack in eight games with the Giants, fans were rightfully upset with the trade. Williams has now signed his franchise tag and is, hopefully, in store for a tremendous season.
Before 2019, Williams had 17 sacks and 32 tackles for a loss in his four seasons with the Jets; in the current year as a member of Gang Green, Williams had 17 pressures, ten hurries, seven hits, and no sacks in eight games, according to Pro Football Focus.
Once he came over to the Giants, Williams had 31 pressures, 12 hits, and half a sack. He was disruptive, altered offensive plays, and commanded the offensive line's respect while providing a lot of versatility to James Bettcher’s front.
Now with Patrick Graham as the defensive coordinator, New York hopes that Williams can put it all together and possibly get back to his 2016 self when he had seven sacks and 11 tackles for a loss.
He can get there playing in Graham’s system predicated on versatility, especially when he’s playing alongside Dexter Lawerence and Dalvin Tomlinson.
Williams is one of the many players that will be vital to the 2020 New York Giants' success. This team will have to generate a pass rush, especially with questions remaining about the defensive backfield.
In a system that predominantly runs man coverage, the pass-rush will be very vital to mask any vulnerability among the cornerbacks, which at least received a boost with the addition of Logan Ryan.
Williams should be a crucial part of Graham’s third-down defense while also being vital on first and second down, due to his ability to stop the run. Still, on third down and intermediate, Graham used one or maybe two big men on the line with other second-level defenders roving around the line of scrimmage, not showing their intentions.
Williams has the athletic ability, length, and first step to play all over the line in these situations; Markus Golden, Oshane Ximines, Lorenzo Carter, and Kyler Fackrell will accompany Williams in these situations. Williams can be used effectively on stunts, in the A-gap, or as a nose, and his ability to disrupt quarterbacks in the pocket will allow this relatively unproven pass rush to have more opportunities.
I don’t deem sack numbers to be indicative of success for Williams. As long as he can pressure the quarterback and help mask some of the defense's weaker parts, then it’s a success.
Pressures are one of the most underrated statistics in football. Williams’ success isn’t only important to the 2020 New York Giants. It’s also essential for general manager Dave Gettleman who made the head-scratching trade of an impending free agent in a lost season.
Nevertheless, if Williams can provide consistent pressure and finish some sacks, he’ll be in for a big payday next off-season.
