Marcus

Williams

Slater believes Buster Skrine will start opposite Darrelle Revis in base sets with Williams taking over on the outside while Skrine covers the slot in nickel, and he “wouldn’t expect” that to change prior to Week 1. First-round bust Dee Milliner should push him in camp, but it sounds like Williams’ spot is fairly secure. Williams recorded six interceptions in limited snaps last season.

Buster Skrine is expected to start opposite Darrelle Revis in base sets, but he will kick inside in nickel. Williams struggled in one start at free safety last year, but he was solid at corner and has shown great playmaking instincts, intercepting seven passes in two years despite limited snaps. He will have to hold off first-round bust Dee Milliner in camp.

Williams thinks the competition he’s faced this offseason has helped in his progression. “I’ve been working on my press, working on playing outside a lot more and just getting better at little things,” Williams said. “I think going against guys like Brandon Marshall and [Eric] Decker also helps a lot, too.” Williams is the favorite for the No. 3 role behind Darrelle Revis and Buster Skrine, but he will have to hold off first-round bust Dee Milliner for the job.

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports he is going to miss several games. Williams has played 405 effective snaps as a sub-package corner this season. His loss is a blow to a secondary which is already struggling. Darryl Roberts should get more snaps with Williams out.

The Jets are 30th in DVOA against the pass, and Tom Brady is coming to town. Williams has played the third-most snaps among Jets cornerbacks and has graded out as Gang Green’s top cover corner at Pro Football Focus.

Undrafted in 2014, the Jets would risk losing Williams for nothing at the original round level. Williams is coming off a down year, but had six interceptions in 2015. The second-round tender will pay him $2.746 million.

A restricted free agent, Williams was tendered at the second-round level. Williams was burned when asked to play safety two years ago, but he has been a solid option at corner and displayed some playmaking ability with six interceptions in 2015. The Jets should add some help in the draft, but Williams has a decent shot to earn a starting job.

Last year’s fourth-rounder, Juston Burris, took all first-team reps in the Jets’ nickel defense at practices open to the media. Burris played opposite Morris Claiborne, with Buster Skrine in the slot. Williams had a big 2015, leading the team with six picks, but he was one of the many who struggled on the back end last season and is due a non-guaranteed $2.75 million this year.

Owed a non-guaranteed $2.75 million and fifth on the depth chart, it would be surprising if Williams sticks around. He led the team with six interceptions in 2015.

CB Johnthan Banks was released in a corresponding roster move. The ex-starter provides depth for a Texans team missing Kevin Johnson (MCL). Williams had played just 38 snaps for the Jets this season before being cut loose.