The Jets were scrambling to move back in the 2019 NFL draft, but stayed put and ultimately selected Alabama defensive tackle Quinnen Williams.
New York was determined to move down in the draft and there were plenty of teams the Jets spoke to regarding their pick. The Bills, Raiders, and Redskins all had a dialogue with the Jets, but nothing appealed to the Jets’ liking.
“In the end, there was nothing we felt strong about to make a move on,” general manager Mike Maccagnan said.
Clearly, the Jets really wanted to trade down to accumulate additional draft capital. However, you cannot blame them if they did not get enough in trade value to move back. The No. 3 pick is too valuable and the Jets felt Williams was too good to pass on.
As for Williams, he is arguably the best player in this year’s draft. What makes him so special is his versatility. He can line up on the inside or the outside and get in the backfield whether on a pass or a run. Williams had a career-high eight sacks last season at Alabama and 19.5 tackles for a loss.
Maccagnan has always stuck to the mindset of taking the best player available and Williams was the best player on the board at No. 3. In the past, it has paid off for him, so it’s hard to argue with him staying with his pick and taking Williams.
