The biggest knock on the New York Giants’ financial commitment to defensive lineman Leonard Williams a King’s ransom this season is that Williams is an underachiever. His statistics do not warrant his whopping $16.1 million salary.
That is something the Giants are hoping to change this year. In 15 games last season (seven with the Jets, eight with the Giants), Williams recorded just 0.5 sacks, and he got that in the season finale.
The Giants unwisely parted with two draft picks at the deadline last October to acquire the former first rounder from the Jets, who were content with Williams hitting free agency after the season. Instead, the Giants used a 2020 third-round and 2021 fifth-round picks for an impending free agent.
Williams and the Giants could not reach an accord on a long-term contract this spring, forcing general manager Dave Gettleman to use the franchise tag on him, hence the lofty salary.
The Giants believe that Williams’ experience and infectious enthusiasm suits their needs for a young veteran leader on defense. He does play the run very well and cuts off the corners. It’s just that his pass rush is late.
The Giants believe building up Williams’ upper body strength may help him push past offensive lineman quicker and become a viable pass rusher.
From Inside Training Camp Live on @nflnetwork with @AndrewSiciliano: #Giants DL Leonard Williams and GM Dave Gettleman sound like they're working on the screenplay for Top Gun 3. pic.twitter.com/PbdglIzYb3
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) August 26, 2020
Williams is just 26 and the Giants believe his best football is still in front of him.
“He’s doing a great job of taking the classroom work, the work we do in the meetings prior to practice and being able to bring that out on the field and do the things we’re asking him to do,” Giants defensive line coach Sean Spencer said this week. “Clearly, as you guys know, he’s an unbelievable athlete. I think he’s starting to put it all together. He’s always had the tools. He’s working on refining his craft right now. He looks strong, powerful like you said. I’m just happy with his progress right now.”
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