ESPN gave Quinnen Williams a tremendous ranking among DTs
Quinnen Williams is highly praised by those around the NFL.
Jeremy Fowler of ESPN conducted a survey with nearly 80 league executives, scouts, and coaches to rank players at each position. In the defensive tackle rankings, Williams slotted in as the second-best defensive tackle in the league, just behind five-time Pro Bowler Chris Jones. Williams and Jones were the only two players to receive first-place votes.
ESPN talked with execs, scouts and coaches to rank their top 10 at every position.
Interior Defensive Lineman Up Next:
1. Chris Jones
2. Quinnen Williams
3. Dexter Lawrence
4. Jeffery Simmons
5. Justin Madubuike
6. Christian Wilkins
7. Derrick Brown
8. DeForest Buckner
9.… https://t.co/jwgVOF8RVf— uSTADIUM (@uSTADIUM) July 9, 2024
Following an outstanding season, Williams moves up to second on this year’s list compared to fourth last season.
Fowler stated that, in 2023, “Williams’s 29 incompletions created by his pash rush ties him with Chris Jones. His 38% run-stop win rate was tied for second at the position. Additionally, Williams’s 29 pressures ranked fourth among interior rushers.”
An NFL scouting director told ESPN that Williams has a “really good first step, and his size and athleticism overwhelm guys.”
Williams, 26, was selected by the New York Jets as the third overall pick in the 2019 NFL draft. Williams has ramped up his play over the last two seasons, recording 17.5 sacks, 23 tackles for loss, and 117 total tackles.
Is Williams ranked too high?
The answer to that question is a resounding “no.” The No. 2 spot is a very fair ranking for Williams.
It is fair to say that Chris Jones is a better defensive tackle than Williams. With an active streak of five consecutive Pro Bowl seasons, Jones is more established than Williams at the moment.
Dexter Lawrence of the New York Giants is the only player who could challenge Williams for the second spot. Some believe Lawrence should be ranked second; for example, Pro Football Focus gave Lawrence the highest overall grade among defensive tackles in 2023. Williams was third, one spot behind the now-retired Aaron Donald.
While it is difficult to state exactly where Williams should rank, he undoubtedly belongs in the top three. Jets fans can be certain that Williams will provide exciting plays for years to come.
