BTB: EZ expected to make a huge 2026 leap

[Bagman]

I don’t know why some would call his rookie season a disappointment.

I wish he got more sacks, but he was close on a few, generated pressure and was really good in the run game.

Rookie DEs don’t usually light it up.

If we went back and looked carefully we'd see that EZE had at least 3 more, maybe 4 sacks taken back by penalties. While 2.5 sacks looks disappointing, 6.5 or 7 sacks would have looked great for a rookie. His run defense was very good all year. I'm very optimistic about him.

 

[big dog cowboy]

Hype train working overtime.

So you don't think his injury slowed him down?

 

[jrumann59]

Eh. I see him as a 7-8 sack guy per year max.

so basically a younger clowney...

 

[charron]

So you don't think his injury slowed him down?

Don't know honestly. Injury, scheme, coaching, everything plays a factor. Fans want players to be better, all I'm saying is let's see how he looks in camp and preseason before giving out his HOF jacket. They been saying how good sam williams looks every off-season for what 4 years now but he never took that next step on game day. Maybe eze does but I'd like to see improvement before I just throw out statements like he will have a huge improvement in his game.

 

[Zekeats]

He’s a gifted DE.

• ESPN NFL All-Rookie Second Team (2025)
• Ted Hendricks Award (2024)
• Consensus All-American (2024)
• ACC Defensive Player of the Year(2024)
• First-team All-ACC (2024)

More

Score Breakdown​

Score Breakdown

Production Score​

87
2025 Combine DE/EDGE Rank: 2nd

Athleticism Score *est​

84
2025 Combine DE/EDGE Rank: 6th

Total Score​

83
2025 Combine DE/EDGE Rank: 2nd

OMG, not the Espn all rookie 2nd team. WOW.

 

[big dog cowboy]

Don't know honestly.

Torn labrums are a real thing.

 

[ghst187]

I think (and hope) we will look back at last years defense and be mad at Jerry for hiring flu who wasted a year of his and everyone else’s development….and then be mad at Jerry again for not firing flu mid way through the season

 

[Mikexike]

I expect 8+ sacks this year.

 

[RonWashington]

OMG, not the Espn all rookie 2nd team. WOW.

“ all rookie 2nd team “ how many of these things do networks spend time dreaming up ?

 

[CowboyStar88]

He definitely flashed potential, so I wouldn’t be surprised if he had a really good 2nd year. Him being able to fine tune his run support will really help him. Hopefully the scheme change will allow him to think less and attack more.

 

[charron]

Torn labrums are a real thing.

Are you guaranteeing he will have a better 26?

 

[Stash]

Wouldn't it be hilarious if Sam W. had like 9 sacks somehow? Not that I expect it, probably 1-2 sacks and at least 3-4 infuriating penalties that cost like 1 game.

Some food for thought:

Compare measurables for Sam Williams to David Bailey this year. They’re surprisingly close.

I think several factors have stunted Sam Williams’ development and production.

A few years ago, he was an an improving trajectory under Dan Quinn. Then he got hurt in camp and missed the season.

Then Quinn left and we’ve had two awful, outdated, short-timers for defensive coordinator.

That’s done a disservice to Williams and every other young defensive player.

I’m eager to see what better coaching might do for Sam. And all of our young defensive players.

 

[DuncanIso]

Some food for thought:

Compare measurables for Sam Williams to David Bailey this year. They’re surprisingly close.

I think several factors have stunted Sam Williams’ development and production.

A few years ago, he was an an improving trajectory under Dan Quinn. Then he got hurt in camp and missed the season.

Then Quinn left and we’ve had two awful, outdated, short-timers for defensive coordinator.

That’s done a disservice to Williams and every other young defensive player.

I’m eager to see what better coaching might do for Sam. And all of our young defensive players.

This is why Dallas picked him up for another season.

Ran a 4.46 40 before the knee

• Third-team All-American (2021)
• First-team All-SEC (2021)

Score Breakdown​

Score Breakdown

Production Score​

83
2022 Combine DE/EDGE Rank: 3rd

Athleticism Score *est​

80
2022 Combine DE/EDGE Rank: 8th

Total Score​

80
2022 Combine DE/EDGE Rank: 7th

 

[DarkVader33]

Some food for thought:

Compare measurables for Sam Williams to David Bailey this year. They’re surprisingly close.

I think several factors have stunted Sam Williams’ development and production.

A few years ago, he was an an improving trajectory under Dan Quinn. Then he got hurt in camp and missed the season.

Then Quinn left and we’ve had two awful, outdated, short-timers for defensive coordinator.

That’s done a disservice to Williams and every other young defensive player.

I’m eager to see what better coaching might do for Sam. And all of our young defensive players.

Especially on such a cheap one year contract. He may not improve or help us but we can then just move on and nothing lost.

 

[Proof]

Hype train working overtime.

what's the hype? and from who? did you even read the article?

 

[Proof]

I won't judge him too harshly based on last years defense, because it was such a fiasco, but I don't see the hype at all.

no offense, but if you don't see the hype, it sounds like you are judging him too harshly lol.

 

[Proof]

BTB expects everyone to make a huge leap every year

the premise was from an nfc south beat writer

 

[stilltheguru]

I have more faith in Lawrence rushing the passer this year than ezeraku. I don't see what others see/saw in him to be a pro bowl type

 

[Proof]

You're comparing EZ to Sam Williams?????? Are you serious?

No one here said EZ will be an ALL-PRO anytime soon, but we should see significant improvement from his rookie year. Some are overreacting as if we are projecting HOF.

right and with sam williams, the most i recall was "if sam williams can make the leap" etc. don't recall anyone proclaiming he would.

 

[Proof]

A lot has been made about BT Jordan being brought on as pass rush specialist after working with the Broncos last season. I would expect that to benefit Eze too.

right. it seems like a perfect storm tbh. healthy year*, reinforcements added, new wunderkind DC, pass rush specialist retained, and a back end that should be greatly improved. for a guy as productive as he was in college and with such a refined arsenal, have a hard time not seeing the improvement coming.