DENVER, COLORADO - DECEMBER 15: Head coach Gregg Williams of the Cleveland Browns works the sidelines while playing the Denver Broncos at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on December 15, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. New York Jets
(Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

New York Jets defensive coordinator Gregg Williams defended a number of players in his Thursday press conference. None more than Jamal Adams.

Gregg Williams has been with the New York Jets just one year, but he’s already become a fan favorite. His work turning a talent deficient, injury-riddled defense into a top-10 unit in the NFL has earned praise around the league. His work may get tougher in year two if he loses his best player.

The drama surrounding Jamal Adams has been a huge distraction this offseason. Thursday,  Williams became the first Jets official to speak since Adams requested a trade, and he’s behind Adams.

Williams and Adams got close over the 2019 season and there’s a strong mutual respect between the two. If anything keeps Adams in New York, other than a new contract, it’s going to be his relationship with the controversial coach.

The DC was quick to defend a few Jets defenders on Thursday. C.J. Mosley was one of the team’s biggest disappointments in 2019. The four-time second-team All-Pro signed a huge contract in free agency and didn’t play a full game in 2019. According to Gregg Williams, that didn’t stop him from making an impact every week.

He also lauded the toughness of Quinnen Williams. The young defensive tackle was hampered his rookie year by a high ankle sprain, which Gregg Williams says wasn’t talked about enough.

Lastly, Williams talked about his plans for rookie third-rounder Jabari Zuniga. He gave the Florida product some lofty comparisons.

Based on his remarks it seems clear that Zuniga will have a big role on the defense in his rookie year. It’s possible he’ll be the team’s starting defensive end in the Jets’ base 4-2-5 unit.

A contributor here at elitesportsny.com. I'm a former graduate student at Loyola University Chicago here I earned my MA in History. I'm an avid Mets, Jets, Knicks, and Rangers fan. I am also a prodigious prospect nerd and do in-depth statistical analysis.