Jets build on biggest strength by drafting Leonard WIlliams

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. – The Jets are building something of a throwback.

Consider this version 2.0 of the New York Sack Exchange.

Leonard Williams, arguably the most talented player available in the entire NFL draft, fell to No. 6 Thursday night. The Jets used up every second on the clock, but in the end, added to their stacked defensive line – and now – the Jets could boast one of the best defensive fronts in the NFL.

All offseason long, the Jet brass – led by first-time head coach Todd Bowles and first-time general manager Mike Maccagnan – preached they would consider all options and take the best player available. They just didn't expect it to be this player.

"He was the best player on our board and we're actually surprised he fell to us," Maccagnan said Thursday night from the team's facility. "We felt he was too good of value to pass up on."

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Maccagnan said he fielded offers when New York was on the clock, but didn't receive a proposal he considered "worthy," despite him being a popular projection in many mock drafts between No. 2 and No. 5.

Williams is a 6-foot-5, 300-pound defensive end from USC, where he was a first-team All-American selection after posting 80 tackles, including 9.5 for a loss, and a team-high seven sacks as a junior. Though he's considered to be a bit raw, Williams is just 20 years old and has plenty of room to grow.

Williams is a luxury. The Jets didn't need him, but there's just no doubting he makes them better. Much better. He joins defensive ends Muhammad Wilkerson and Sheldon Richardson – two of the most productive, young players at the position – as well as nose tackle Damon Harrison.

But Wilkerson's status is the big question facing the Jets.

He enters the final deal of his rookie contract in 2015, and is seeking a lucrative, long-term deal. He has been absent from New York's voluntary organized team activities, and reports emerged in the days leading to the draft that multiple teams had asked about his availability in a trade.

"Right now Muhammad is on our team," Maccagnan said. "I'm not going to speculate. We're not actively trying to shop him."

Whether the Jets do or whether they don't, Williams' addition gives the team more leverage in negotiations. Ultimately, they could let Wilkerson, 25, walk, and it wouldn't hurt as much. The Jets could slide Williams in his place if both sides can't come to an agreement.

But if the Jets could find a way to keep all three, they project to have one of the fiercest, young lines for years to come.

And because Maccagnan spent a huge chunk of New York's $50 million in salary cap space this offseason on cornerbacks Darrelle Revis, Antonio Cromartie and Buster Skrine, the Jets D-line should have plenty of time to get after opposing quarterbacks.

Maccagnan has said he will continue to work with Wilkerson's representatives with the hopes to come to an agreement.

"You can never have enough D-linemen," Bowles said.

Bowles added that the Jets – despite having three first-round defensive ends – will continue to be a 3-4 team. He added that New York could sprinkle in some four-man fronts, depending on the game and the situation. Williams' addition gives Bowles that flexibility.

"Playing a 3-4, I know I'm going to be a defensive end in that type of scheme," Williams said. "I think it's really cool coming into a D-line that's pretty young, but they're veterans. They're pros at what they do. I think it's really cool coming in at such a young age as a rookie and have some great D-linemen to model my game after. I really don't know where I'm going to fit in exactly. I'll leave that to the coaches when I get there."

That means that Williams might not see the field all that much early on. It's going to be tough to find snaps for all three players, when the scheme features two at the positon.

But make no mistake, Williams will be a big part of New York's defense. He's simply too good for that not to happen.

"More than anything, I don't want to prove other people wrong," Williams said. "I just really want to prove the Jets right. I want them to be proud of their decision and I want them to know that I'm coming in with a lot of passion and I'm willing to put up whatever it takes on the line to make a lot of great plays and be successful."