Sam Willams' speed impressed Cowboys owner Jerry Jones."He's unique adding that speed to our defense, especially our pass-rush," Jones said Tuesday on KRLD-FM
He showcased his quickness in a 24-6 victory against the Lions. The rookie defensive end, a second-round pick out of Ole Miss, recorded two sacks and recovered a game-sealing fumble.
#CowboysNation
— Dallas Cowboys Collaboration (@mailman_phil) October 23, 2022
Sack fumble by Sam Williams! #DETvsDAL pic.twitter.com/bEp28UoeWJ
Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy called Williams' performance "outstanding."
"Sam is an excellent example of one of our rookie players, our young players playing great today," McCarthy said in a postgame news conference.
However, this isn't a flash in the pan for Williams. He's making significant improvements. In Week 5, he posted Pro Football Focus' highest grade for a rookie defensive lineman.
Highest graded rookie DL from Week 5
— PFF College (@PFF_College) October 11, 2022
Sam Williams: 91.6
Nik Bonitto: 80.3
Aidan Hutchinson: 80.1 pic.twitter.com/BK2laWNfBB
"He's taking it to another level," Jones said.
If Williams keeps playing well, the Cowboys' defense could vault to a new level. He could complement Micah Parsons, who won NFL Defensive Rookie of The Year in 2021, forming a fearsome pass-rush tandem.
The Cowboys have the No.6 defense in the league, so a young combination will help it prosper for a long time.
Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott feels landing rising stars in consecutive drafts is a huge win.
"This is one of the best rookie classes I've seen in my seven years here, and I feel like I said that last year," Prescott said in a postgame news conference.
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