Leonard Williams
When general manager Dave Gettleman acquired Leonard Williams via trade, many scoffed at the move, criticizing the Giants for risking a mid-round pick on a Jets castoff. After a decent few games for the Giants following the midseason deal, he was franchise tagged, turning the compensation given up to get him from a 4th round pick to a 3rd round pick.
A year later, Williams was given a 3-year, $63 million deal following a career year that saw him finish amongst the top 10 in pressures, sacks and QB knockdowns. Despite that, he’s been underwhelming to begin the year. Across four games this season, Williams ranks 74th in pressures, 53rd in QB knockdowns and 78th in sacks. Nowhere near the level of production the Giants expected out of him coming into the year.
The Cowboys have allowed just seven sacks thus far, tied for sixth least in the league. Like Golladay, Williams will surely have his work cut out for him if he wants to get pressure on Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott.
Rookie edge rusher Azeez Ojulari has done his part, registering three sacks in four games. It’s time for Williams to reemerge as the force up front he proved to be in 2020.