Which New York Jets player is a rising star in the AFC East?
Darrelle Revis. Muhammad Wilkerson. These former college ballers developed into top players in the NFL. Which New York Jet is ascending as the best in the AFC East?
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AFC East Q&A: How about Ronald Darby. Leonard Williams as rising stars – AFC East- ESPN The Dolphins have a pair of young receivers on the rise; Bills cornerback Ronald Darby already is among the elite at his position. |
| Source: espn.go.com/blog/afceast/post/_/id/80602/afc-east-qa-how-about-ronald-darby-leonard-williams-as-rising-stars | |
“Leonard Williams is primed to take a big step in his second season”. Rich Cimini is correct when he selects him out of the AFC East. Williams showed flashes as a rookie in 2015 after being selected by the New York Jets 6th overall in the NFL draft. The same way that the USC Trojans played him at defensive end and tackle is how he was used in Todd Bowles’ system. His versatility was key in freeing up his team mates Wilkerson, Sheldon Richardson and others, leading to 1 on 1 matchups. By Week 4 against the Washington Redskins, he was breaking through the offensive line so often that he was getting double teamed. He had earned the respect of opposing offenses and garnered attention from centers, guards and tackles.
Besides his pass rushing ability, Leonard also had good football IQ. There were many times when he sniffed out plays as they developed in front of him, leading to tackling running backs at or behind the line of scrimmage. His keen sense of awareness was one of the reasons why Gang Green was in the top 3 in the league against the run, resulting in quarterbacks facing long distance 3rd downs. It should also be mentioned that he has no off the field issues, unlike receiver Josh Gordon from the Cleveland Browns or Dallas Cowboys DE Randy Gregory. With no unnecessary distractions that are common in the NFL, the Jets team was able to maintain chemistry and play as a cohesive unit. Other teams would rather favor talent over character issues when selecting players but Gang Green has found a model player and citizen in Leonard.
Williams is a great candidate to be the next star from the AFC East. Great skills, intelligence and good character are the qualities that could make him into the next Muhammad Wilkerson. With DL coach Pepper Johnson behind him, Leonard will develop over the next few years and will be a force to reckon with in the league. Jets fans are ecstatic to have this budding star in their midst.
