With the summer now in full swing, the media continues to look for ways to keep people tuning in day in and day out. One tried and true method to keep the people coming back is the anonymous player/coach/executive survey.

As part of their training camp coverage, ESPN surveyed league executives, coaches, scouts and players to rank the top 10 players at 11 different positions. The defensive tackle survey had a (rightfully) familiar name at the top: Aaron Donald.

Following Donald were Chris Jones of the Kansas City Chiefs at number two and Jeffery Simmons of the Tennessee Titans at number three. At number four was the previously “honorably mentioned” Jets defensive tackle, Quinnen Williams.

This is a big deal for the Jets that other teams have taken notice of the draft pick out of Alabama. This isn’t some in the box safety that is elite (yes, shots fired at Jamal Adams), but a true run stopping, pass rushing, 3 technique defensive tackle.

Jeremy Fowler of ESPN writes “Williams has been knocking on the door of the top 10 the past few years and broke through in a big way with 12 sacks last year, second among defensive tackles. The only other Jets player to hit the 12-sack mark over the past 15 years is Muhammad Wilkerson in 2015.”

One anonymous NFL scout said "As good as a defensive tackle that I've studied coming out of Bama (in 2019) — he was a young guy who needed time to mature. It took him a while, but now it's clicking and he's still ascending. When he gets paid, I don't think he'll regress. He's as good as any pass-rusher out there right now."

First, the positives. The Jets have a defensive stud. A bona fide middle of the defense disruptor that can ruin offensive game plans single-handedly. A juggernaut who offensive coaches have circled on their weekly planning sessions as a “what do we do about him” problem. A wrecking ball for teams who have high powered offenses and elite QBs. In other words: that dude.

Williams’ highest ranking on the ESPN conducted survey was second and his lowest was “unranked”. With all that being said, one question that immediately comes to mind, is who answered this survey and left Quinnen Williams off their list? Who looked at the tape of Williams brought to the team last year and thought he wasn’t worthy of this list? Whichever Patriot fan media intern turned in that survey should be barred from all future surveys. Williams is a superstar.

And this superstar plays a premium position along the interior of the defensive line. Just look at the two Super Bowl teams from last year. They were both stacked along the inside of the defensive front. It is arguably one of the most important positions on the field.

The Jets defense already has a budding star on the outside in Sauce Gardner. In a league where passing attacks rule for the most part (2022 Philadelphia Eagles excluded), the Jets have the ability to both cover wide receivers as well as rush the QB.

Now for the negative. Williams remains unsigned and unhappy about it. He previously washed his social media accounts of all things Jets related and was a no show at OTAs.

The Jets need to have Williams signed by the start of training camp. The Aaron Rodgers era comes with a ticking clock and it is no time to haggle with your biggest difference maker up front.

He has shown he is worth it, and now it is obvious that the rest of the league has taken notice. Pay him.

Featured Image via Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports