For the first time since Trent Richardson in the 2012 NFL Draft, the University of Alabama has a standout taken as a top-three pick under Nick Saban. The 67-year-old is not at Nashville, Tenn., however, former running backs’ coach Burton Burns watched defensive lineman Quinnen Williams get selected to the New York Jets as the No. 3 pick.
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Listed at 6-foot-3 and 303 pounds, he turned in a strong performance at the NFL Scouting Combine that included a 40-time of 4.83 seconds.
Despite coaching standouts such as Jonathan Allen, Da’Ron Payne, Jarran Reed, A’Shawn Robinson, Ryan Anderson and Tim Williams, it was the man given the nickname “300-pound wet bar of soap” that could outperform all of them in the National Football League.
Quinnen Williams recorded team highs in tackles for loss (19.5) and quarterback pressures (12), while collecting eight sacks. He was one of two unanimous All-Americans and winner of the Outland Trophy, which is presented to the nation’s top interior lineman for offense or defense.
For a franchise that’s trying to break out of the shadow of the New England Patriots in the AFC West, drafting Williams gives the Jets a nasty defense. It already has Leonard Williams, C.J. Mosley, Avery Williamson and Jamal Adams.
Williams stated at Alabama’s Pro Day that he wants to play with Mosley and the organization has made it happen.
Per Spotrac.com, a site that dives into the contracts of players, Williams is set to pocket $32.3 million for four years.
After waiting for his moment at Alabama and being the rock for his family during the death of his mother, Williams is the No. 3 pick and a dream has been achieved.
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Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
