1. Leonard Williams, DE/DL
- 21 Years Old, 6-5, 298 lbs., Round 1 of 2015 NFL Draft
- 2015: 16 G, 15 GS, 3 SK, 29 TKL
- Projected 2016: 16 G, 16 GS, 6.5 SK, 38 TKL
To be honest, Leonard Williams didn’t burst onto the scene as a rookie like many thought he would.
Arguably the best prospect in the 2015 NFL Draft, this USC product was good, not great in 2015.
This is why 2016 makes his value in 2016 downright silly to think about.
With Sheldon Richardson on the shelf during the first four games (suspension), Williams had a chance to shine right off the bat. For the most part he held his own in collecting three sacks while playing all 16 games.
What’s exciting, however, is the mere idea that Maccagnan and Bowles have continuously shopped for talent that suggests they’ll run more four-man fronts moving forward. This means Williams will be able to see the field with Richardson and Wilkerson at the same time.
This can only lead to more opportunities for the 21-year old beast.
