When talking about the top defensive linemen in the NFL today, one of the first names that will pop up, especially on the interior, is Jets All-Pro defensive tackle Quinnen Williams.
Williams broke out big-time in 2022 with 12 sacks, second among defensive tackles to Chris Jones of the Chiefs. He was a force both against the pass and against the run, making him a complete asset in the trenches.
In a recent episode and post from the “Xs and Os” podcast with Doug Farrar and Greg Cosell, the two shared their picks for the best defensive linemen at each technique across the line (1-technique, 2-technique, etc.).
Williams popped up on this list as the choice for the best player at the 2-technique (head-up on the offensive guard) and 2i-technique (inside shoulder of the guard). Check out what the crew said about Williams.
When looking at 2-tech and 2i players, who work head over the guard and to the guard’s inside shoulder, strength and speed are equal requirements.
“In an ideal world, you need to be country-strong,” Greg said. “You need to move people. There’s nothing wrong with being quick as well — I think that Quinnen Williams and Jeffery Simmons have what makes people great at those positions, which is a combination of both. But in tight areas, you need the ability to control and displace [an offensive lineman]. Because you don’t have space on one side, like an edge-rusher does. You have to create your own space, and in order to do that, you need to control the man in front of you, and displace him.”
Control and displacement again, and here, we bring up the aforementioned Quinnen Williams as the ideal for these positions. Last season, Williams totaled five solo sacks, one half-sack, nine quarterback hits, and eight quarterback hurries from the 2 and 2i spots.
The All-Pro can use this as more ammunition in his quest for a new contract heading into his fifth NFL season and being set to make under $10 million while players such as Daron Payne, Dexter Lawrence (TW’s pick for best 0-tech/1-tech) and Jeffery Simmons received new deals this offseason for around $22.5 million and $23.5 million per year.