After signing a three-year, $64.5 million contract, Seattle Seahawks defensive lineman Leonard Williams greater than justified the funding: he was a uncommon disruptive pressure, incomes a Professional Bowl nod (as a substitute) and solidifying his place because the NFL’s best inside defender in 2024.
His season was All-Professional worthy (and much more deserving than a 99th-ranked end within the NFL Prime 100). He additionally produced one of the spectacular performs of the season with a 92-yard pick-six return towards Aaron Rodgers’ New York Jets, setting a document for a return by a defensive lineman.
Leonard Williams’ 2024 season statistics
Whole Tackles: 64 (37 solo + 27 assists), eighth among the many iDL;
Run Stops: 41, 2nd among the many iDL;
Sacks: 11.0, 2nd among the many iDL
Pressures: 55, sixth among the many iDL
Tackles for Loss (TFL): 41 (2nd among the many iDL, with 15 hits and 29 hurries)
PFF Grades: General 87.1 (4th amongst 219 iDL), go rush 72.3 (twenty second), run protection 79.5 (fifth)
Together with Myles Garrett, the one gamers with 2+ sacks, 3+ TFLs in at the very least 3 video games in 2024.
Comparability with All-Professionals from the final 5 years
Leonard Williams in 2024: 55 pressures, 11 sacks, 41 run stops;
2020:
Aaron Donald: 98 pressures, 15 sacks, 29 run stops;
DeForest Buckner: 53 pressures, 10 sacks, 30 run stops;
2021:
Aaron Donald: 86 pressures, 15 sacks, 49 run stops;
Cameron Heyward: 61 pressures, 11 sacks, 46 run stops;
2022:
Chris Jones: 77 pressures, 15 sacks, 31 run stops;
Quinnen Williams: 52 pressures, 13 sacks, and 32 run stops;
2023:
Aaron Donald: 84 pressures, 10 sacks, 31 run stops;
Chris Jones: 75 pressures, 14 sacks, 21 run stops;
2024:
Cameron Heyward: 56 pressures, 10 sacks, 44 run stops;
Chris Jones: 74 pressures, 6 sacks, 22 run stops;
If we have a look at the seasons of Heyward (each seasons), Quinnen Williams, and Buckner, what Leonard Williams did deserves at the very least an honorable point out or a spot on the second crew.
Most used go rush methods
Very productive as a go rusher and stable towards high-level linemen. On this play, towards Quinn Meinerz, he threatens to assault exterior and adjustments path so immediately that the appropriate deal with can’t recuperate. Williams manages to strain Bo Nix, who finally ends up getting intercepted.
Once more, he traces up towards Meinerz. He can’t win the primary time, however it’s an ideal instance of how he has a superb repertoire of counters towards an All-Professional guard.
Glorious swim transfer towards the middle, requiring assist from the LG. The sack doesn’t go down in Williams’ stats, however he pressured the QB instantly into the arms of Jarran Reed.
1. Bull rush
It’s a transfer of pure power.
2. Swim transfer
Passes the block with one arm excessive, utilizing the opposite to realize leverage. Superb for interiors who have to beat massive LGs.
Very pure motion to beat the LG firstly of the play.
3. Twist/stunt in double-team
Attributable to his power, sudden velocity, and number of alignments, Williams is a wonderful stunt risk. A stunt happens when defensive gamers, often defensive linemen or linebackers, swap their typical hole assignments or working paths to confuse the offensive line.
Torch Stunt is a play from the inside of the defensive position, by which two defensive tackles learn the middle’s blocking path to create a “torch.” If the middle blocks towards a defensive deal with, the latter will run across the heart to the other A-gap, whereas the opposite defensive deal with assaults the middle instantly, attempting to create house. As a result of the middle is wanting on the first defensive deal with, he’s caught off guard and left susceptible to the second defensive deal with’s energy transfer.
Usually, the second defensive deal with is barely liable for opening up house. Not when that defensive deal with is Leonard Williams. He manages to not solely create house for his teammate, but additionally get to the QB. On this play, he forces a fumble, and it’s a disgrace it didn’t flip right into a turnover.
Once more, in addition to creating house for J-Reed, he may also make the sack.
Combatting the Operating Recreation
He achieved a PFF Run-Def Grade of 79.5 (fifth amongst 219 inside DLs) with 16 tackles for loss.
1. Double crew
At instances, he was moved by double groups (most frequently in working conditions). Maybe this was the largest level of concern in his sport.
Along with his huge expertise, he tailored, utilizing wider energy steps to keep away from double-teams.
2. Palms-in-House
He makes use of his arms to maintain the blocker away from his physique, clearing house for studying the play.
He lures the RT into the within hole and makes use of his swim transfer to rapidly escape and forestall the TD.
3. Stack and Shed
He pushes the blocker till the RB passes after which breaks free to make the deal with—he has 41 TFL and constant deal with manufacturing.
Strains up as a large finish towards Trent Williams, one of many league’s finest tackles. Leonard is so dominant that he seems to be lining up towards Stone Forsythe, given the best way he leaves the tight finish on the bottom after the snap.
As soon as once more, he makes use of the strategy of controlling the opponent whereas the RB searches for a lane, eliminating the tight finish when he must make the deal with.
Technical versatility in a number of positions
He has performed at the very least six totally different methods—from zero-tech (over the middle) to the sting—displaying immense adaptability.
Taking part in a number of positions maximizes his influence: he excels each within the 3-technique, his conventional power, and in positions additional off heart (5- and 6-techniques).
In accordance with PFF in 2024:
27 snaps within the A-Hole;
349 snaps within the B-Hole;
245 snaps as a Massive Finish/5-Tech;
130 snaps past the OT;
Processing/soccer IQ
He principally fights towards three blockers, however retains his deal with the QB. Then he reveals velocity and energy to get after Jacoby Brissett and pressure the errant go.
In a postgame interview, Leo confirmed that he was already anticipating this pin-and-pull. That is fairly clear when, earlier than the snap, he takes an additional step inside the road, making it tougher for the LT to dam him, and thus the DT makes the play.
If anybody asks you the best way to play towards a kickout block, simply present them this snap from Leo. He rapidly identifies it, assaults along with his inside arm, to have the opposite free to deal with. Nevertheless, he throws the OL inside and forces the cutback.
Take note of the LG, discover how the snap comes out and the Cardinals participant remains to be wanting again. Williams has an unconventional strategy, however he strikes, utilizing leverage, the OL and makes the deal with.
Last Ideas
Leonard Williams was one of the impactful inside DLs within the NFL in 2024. His basic power, agility, and game-reading methods made a distinction, each within the go rush and in containing the run sport. His technical versatility, strain energy, effectivity towards the run, and influence on decisive performs cemented him because the centerpiece of the defensive position that’s taking over a brand new identification underneath Mike Macdonald.
In brief: an All-Professional season—an instance of consistency, approach, and actual influence on the sector. There’s little room for enchancment in his sport; the large query is whether or not he can preserve this degree.
