New York Jets rookie defensive lineman Quinnen Williams is making a smooth and productive transition into the pros.
When the New York Jets drafted defensive lineman Quinnen Williams No. 3 overall in the 2019 NFL Draft, everyone knew what he was capable of.
He was arguably the most talented guy in this year’s draft class and would be able to fit well alongside Leonard Williams and Henry Anderson.
Now that minicamp and OTAs have concluded for the Jets, coaches and teammates have gotten a better look at Williams.
The former Alabama standout thus far has embraced the opportunity and has made a smooth transition into the pro-style system.
“It’s been amazing,” Williams told Olivia Landis of the team’s website. “Really the thing that got me well-adjusted was hanging out with the vets. Learning from guys like Steve McLendon, who taught me a lot of stuff on and off the field and Leo, who taught me a lot of stuff on and off the field. But the main thing was learning football: how to make a routine, how to take care of your body, how to get treatment. It’s been very easy just having a great group of older guys around me to help me out.”
Williams is expected to come in and play a lot for the Jets defense, even at such a young age. After taking some first-team reps in OTAs, Williams is getting a feel for how to prepare and improve.
Not to mention, he’s doing it with a little help from McLendon in the process.
“Every time I’m on the sideline and I watch the 1’s go, I take mental reps and know the play and say the play to myself,” Williams said. “I find out what Steve is doing when he comes off the field and immediately – boom – why did you do this? What did you do that for? So then I know that when my time comes I can do the same exact thing and I cannot be a drop-off.”
