Jets DL coach is worried about rookie DE Leonard Williams in Week 1
Concerns aren't necessarily something you want to have about the sixth overall pick as a coach. However, that's exactly how New York Jets defensive line coach Pepper Johnson feels about Leonard Williams heading into Week 1.
When asked if he was worried about Williams entering Week 1, Johnson didn't hold back.
"Yeah, of course," Johnson said via Darryl Slater of NJ.com. "He's a rookie. He's a puppy, so you're going to have major concerns. But the good thing is, he went to USC, so it's not like it's going to be bright lights for him. I'm quite sure they brought in a few more than 60,000, 70,000 in the Coliseum."
While Johnson has concerns about Williams in Week 1 -- mainly because of his youth and inexperience -- he has also seen great things from the rookie. Williams looked great in the preseason and in training camp, which gives the Jets many reasons to be excited.
"I've seen a lot of potential," Johnson said. "I've seen a hard-working guy that wants to be good and doesn't want to be the low man on the totem pole. He's awesome in the classroom. He has good awareness. I want to increase it a little bit. All the information I've been giving him, he's been holding onto it."
Williams will be filling in for the suspended Sheldon Richardson for at least the first four games of the regular season. During that time, Williams will try to make his case to be a starter during the regular season as he looks to add to an already great defensive line.
(h/t NJ.com)