The New York Jets selected Quinnen Williams with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2019 NFL draft on Thursday, pairing him with a familiar face in current Jets defensive end Leonard Williams.
In an interview with ESPN’s Suzy Kobler after being drafted, Williams said he was excited to be joining his training partner and glad to be going to a team where he knows someone.
The two Williams worked out with each other during the pre-draft process. Quinnen called it a “blessing” to workout with a player that he looks up to and models his game after. Now, he gets to play next to him.
Williams spoke to the New York media following his selection. He believes that he and the elder Williams can be ‘insane’ playing next to one another in defensive coordinator Gregg Williams’ defense.
General manager Mike Maccagnan has already addressed reporters and has told them that they plan on keeping Leonard Williams for now and the foreseeable future. Maccagan said that he likes the idea “putting all these guys” on the defensive line together, adding that he’s excited how the Jets DC is able to use the two Williams, Anderson and McLendon.
Williams has the ability to play all over the Jets defensive line. His versatility gives the Jets endless possibilities on their front, as they went with talent over scheme fit with this selection.
