The Jacksonville Jaguars are quite bullish on the impact that rookie defensive end Wesley Williams can make. That was evident on draft day when Jacksonville moved up to select him in the fourth round.
Two reasons that the Jaguars had to have Williams are his play style and well-rounded skill set.
“I think I said this during the draft, but his play style and we really tried to lean into that with all these guys that we took, but Wesley is a guy (who’s) going to run around all day,” defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile said on Monday. “He’s not a guy that you’re going to find a clip of him taking a play off. He’s just a high-character, tough kid. He’s been pretty quick on the uptake. So, that’s been exciting about him.”
Williams has been a productive pass rusher during his last two seasons at Duke. This includes totaling 43 pressures in 2024 and 46 pressures in 2025, along with 13 total sacks, according to PFF.
He was also one of PFF’s highest-graded run defenders at the defensive end position. Out of 100 eligible defensive ends last season, Williams ranked 28th in total pressures and 46th in pass rush win rate.
“I think Wes has some rush ability and is really an every-down player,” Campanile added. “He’s not just a specific, hey, this guy’s a pass rusher, this guy’s a plugger in the run game. To me, he’s an every-down player, and he’s a young guy relative to a lot of the guys who are in this draft. So, I really feel like he’s only going to get better.”
At the top of the defensive end depth chart are Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker, but the rotational snaps behind those two are up for grabs. Along with Williams, the Jaguars also have BJ Green, Danny Striggow, and Zach Durfee vying for playing time.
Williams’ ability to impact the game in a variety of ways can be a differentiator for him as training camp unfolds this summer.
This article originally appeared on Jaguars Wire: 2 reasons Jaguars believe rookie defender can have quick impact
Reporting by Paul Bretl, Jaguars Wire / Jaguars Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
