WATCH: How Jets DC Gregg Williams intends to maximize Leonard Williams this season

The new Jets defensive coordinator is excited to work with the 25-year-old lineman

Leonard Williams is heading into the final season of his rookie contract, so motivation is definitely not lacking for the defensive lineman. 

While the 6-foot-5, 302-pound Williams has performed serviceably the last two seasons for the Jets, he hasn't been able to replicate the success of his 2016 campaign, which earned him a spot in the Pro Bowl. 

However, alongside Jets defensive coordinator Gregg Williams, the 25-year-old Leonard Williams could recapture the magic of his second season and even exceed it. 

When Gregg Williams was defensive coordinator of the Rams, he highly coveted Leonard Williams as a draft prospect. Now that Gregg Williams finally has Leonard Williams on his roster, he believes the lineman will flourish. 

“We’re really looking forward to cutting him loose,” Gregg Williams said to New York Jets.com. “He was high on my list to get a chance to draft. There’s a drastic difference in just the philosophy of how we play up front and he’s had some really great spring (practices). I can’t wait to get him in pads and ready to go. But he’s another one that I’m excited about the opportunity to help him be as good as he can be.”

Leonard Williams signed a four-year, $18.6 million contract after being selected with the sixth overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft. Leonard Williams has amassed 17 sacks and 114 solo tackles in his time with Gang Green. 

Leonard Williams knows it's make or break time, so he's hard at work this offseason to make Year 5 his best yet with the Jets. 

“Just [working on] overall power, all around my whole body and balance,” Leonard Williams said to New York Jets.com. “Understanding what I’m good at and what I’m not good at, and just trying to make a particular toolbox that I can use on the field.”