DT Williams’ learning curve is definitely on the upswing

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — The Jets as a team and organization have made many head-scratching decisions this year, but one of their best moves was something general manager Joe Douglas didn’t do.

He rebuffed teams that tried to acquire defensive tackle Quinnen Williams at the trade deadline.

There were reports that the Jets were looking to move Williams as part of their fire sale and collect even more draft capital for their seemingly never-ending rebuild. Douglas had no interest in dealing Williams and disputed the whole “shopping him” narrative.

Douglas said Williams is someone the Jets want to build around on defense, and the second-year player is showing why.

You can count on one hand the bright spots for this 0-11 team. Rookies Mekhi Becton, Denzel Mims and Braden Mann are among them, and Williams is right there too. He’s made a big jump from Year 1 to Year 2 and seems to be developing into one of the NFL’s better defensive tackles.

“I’m definitely seeing improvement throughout the season,” coach Adam Gase said. “Beginning of the year maybe there was a little bit where he wasn’t as consistent. But man, this middle part of the season I feel like he’s really shown up a lot, whether it be TFLs (tacklesforaloss) orcreating pressureonthequarterback.

“He’s playing his (butt) off right now.”

Williams was compared to Aaron Donald when the Jets used the No. 3 pick in the 2019 draft on the Alabama product, but Williams didn’t have much of an impact as a rookie. As this season has progressed, so has Williams into the Jets’ best defensive player.