While Quinnen Williams didn’t enjoy the rookie success that’s expected from the No. 3 overall pick, the Jets aren’t giving up on him and his potential. Neither is fellow University of Alabama alum C.J. Mosley.
When asked by reporters during a video conference on Wedneday who he thought could be a potential breakout player in 2020, Mosley didn’t hesitate when he name-dropped Williams.
“He fought through injuries early, so he missed a few games,” Mosley said. “But if you look back at his career at Alabama, he didn’t play a lot, so I think he still has a lot of raw talent in him. I think the more he learns, the more experience he gets on the field is going to make him that much better. … Just those little things is going to help him as he gets older. You’re not just going to learn it right off the bat.”
Mosley, no stranger to battling injuries himself in 2019, can empathize with Williams, who missed three of the first four games due to ankle and neck injuries. Battling through those injuries, Williams’ rookie season was marred with inconsistent play. In 13 games, he recorded just 28 tackles, 2.5 sacks and one fumble recovery.
While Williams didn’t exceed the expectations that were placed on him as a rookie, he still showed flashes of brilliance in 2019. At just 22 years old, it would be unfair to already write off Williams. He has just 13 career games to his name and, as Mosley noted, with experience should come more success.
It’s expected that Williams will be the Jets’ starting left defesnive end in Gregg Williams’ 3-4 scheme. While he should see an uptick in the 46 percent of defensive snaps he saw as a rookie, he still has ongoing legal ramifications that could affect his playing time right off the bat. Back in March, Williams was arrested at LaGuardia Airport in New York and was charged with illegal possession of a handgun after trying to board a flight with a Glock 19 on his person.
Right now, the coronavirus pandemic has prevented Willaims from having his day in court. After an original delay, Williams was looking at a late-June court date at the earliest. Since then, there has no update. Williams is also subjected to a possible punishment under the NFL’s personal conduct policy.