With their first pick in the 2019 NFL draft, the Jets hope to have found their next star defender.
New York used the third overall pick on Alabama defensive tackle Quinnen Williams. The selection of the defensive lineman followed Arizona’s selection of Oklahoma quarterback Kyler Murray and San Francisco’s decision to take Ohio State defensive end Nick Bosa.
At 6-foot-4, 289 pounds, Williams has been compared to Los Angeles Rams defensive lineman Aaron Donald thanks to his freakish athleticism and massive frame. In his lone season as a starter at Alabama, Williams recorded 71 tackles, 19.5 tackles for loss and eight sacks.
Williams projects as a Day 1 starter for the Jets on the defensive line. General manager Mike Maccagnan has made a habit of taking the best player available on the board in his tenure as general manager and stuck to that formula by selecting Williams over the likes of Kentucky EDGE Josh Allen and Houston defensive lineman Ed Oliver.
