Jets' DT Quinnen Williams, who was named to his second Pro Bowl last season, came in at No. 37 in a vote of NFL players in the 2024 NFL Top 100 list – three spots higher than in 2023.
Williams, 26, was named a captain for the first time in his NFL career last season and went on to start all 17 games setting the pace for one of the league's most prolific defenses. Williams stuffed the stat sheet – recording 5.5 sacks, 62 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 20 QB hits, 3 pass defenses and 1 forced fumble.
"He's a dominant force inside," HC Robert Saleh said. "When he's playing at his best, he makes it easy for everybody to do their jobs, but not just that, he's the ultimate team guy, and is very coachable."
Williams was among the top defensive tackles in the league last season. Pro Football Focus ranked Williams third (90.6) among interior defensive lineman behind the Giants Dexter Lawrence and recently retired future Hall of Famer Aaron Donald of the Rams. In addition, Williams had the highest run-defense grade (90.4) and totaled the best pass-rusher rate among qualifying interior defenders (16.1%).
"I'm just trying to be the best player I can be and just win football games for the New York Jets," Williams said. "I learned from each and every one of these guys, each and every one of the defensive tackles, especially in my position, and just try to emulate what they do."
A veteran presence now in his sixth season in the NFL, Williams is eager to build on his consecutive appearances in the Pro Bowl and help the Jets get back to the postseason after a 14-year playoff drought.
"I'm super-excited, man," Williams said. "We were excited in OTAs and now we get a chance to put it all in front of us and really fight for something, work for something toward our ultimate goal of being great and winning football games."
