While the Jets didn't have any players named to the Pro Bowl on Tuesday, DL Leonard Williams figures to stand a decent chance of gaining an invite to play for the AFC when they match up with the NFC on Jan. 29 at the Orlando Citrus Bowl.
Williams was named a first alternate tonight. The 6'5", 302-pounder, in his second season from USC, leads the Jets with 7.0 sacks, 23 QB hurries and 2 forced fumbles. His 11 TFL ties for the team lead and he also ranks second on the club with 78 tackles. He has become one of the most stout interior players in football as the Green & White have held opponents to 91 or fewer yards on the ground in nine of 14 contests. Selected No. 6 overall by GM Mike Maccagnan in the 2015 draft, Williams is just 22 and has already appeared in 30 contests for New York's AFC representative.
Fellow defensive lineman Sheldon Richardson was named a fifth alternate for the AFC. Richardson, a Pro Bowler in 2014 after recording a team-high 8.0 sacks along with 84 tackles, has played in 13 games this season while being credited with 57 tackles and 1.5 sacks in addition to 14 QB hurries. He is a versatile performer who has been asked to play OLB times.
