2. Leonard Williams, DL
The second-most obvious candidate for a breakout season in 2016: Leonard Williams.
Jets fans were puzzled and excited when their team selected Williams with the sixth overall pick in the draft last season–excited because the 300-pound defensive lineman fell to the sixth pick, and puzzled because well, they didn’t really need him.
New York already had a trio of outstanding defensive lineman with Wilkerson, Harrison and Sheldon Richardson at the time, but with Harrison now gone, Williams is in-store for a full-time starting role in 2016 and a chance to breakout as one of the league’s top interior defensive lineman.
Though his primary strength is against the run, Williams impressed in his ability to rush the passer during his rookie season, an area in which he was criticized coming out of the draft.
According to Pro Football Focus, Williams registered 30 QB hurries, 19 hits and four sacks as a pass rusher in 2015.
Playing alongside Wilkerson and Richardson, both of whom have already established themselves as elite interior pass rushers, will only provide the 21-year-old Williams with more one-on-one opportunities on passing downs as they draw double teams from opposing offensive linemen.
