After signing a three-year, $64.5 million contract, Seattle Seahawks defensive lineman Leonard Williams more than justified the investment: he was a rare disruptive force, earning a Pro Bowl nod (as a replacement) and solidifying his position as the NFL’s most effective interior defender in 2024.
His season was All-Pro worthy (and far more deserving than a 99th-ranked finish in the NFL Top 100). He also produced one of the most spectacular plays of the season with a 92-yard pick-six return against Aaron Rodgers’ New York Jets, setting a record for a return by a defensive lineman.
Leonard Williams’ 2024 season statistics
Total Tackles: 64 (37 solo + 27 assists), 8th among the iDL;
Run Stops: 41, 2nd among the iDL;
Sacks: 11.0, 2nd among the iDL
Pressures: 55, 6th among the iDL
Tackles for Loss (TFL): 41 (2nd among the iDL, with 15 hits and 29 hurries)
PFF Grades: Overall 87.1 (4th among 219 iDL), pass rush 72.3 (22nd), run defense 79.5 (5th)
Along with Myles Garrett, the only players with 2+ sacks, 3+ TFLs in at least 3 games in 2024.
Comparison with All-Pros from the last 5 years
Leonard Williams in 2024: 55 pressures, 11 sacks, 41 run stops;
2020:
Aaron Donald: 98 pressures, 15 sacks, 29 run stops;
DeForest Buckner: 53 pressures, 10 sacks, 30 run stops;
2021:
Aaron Donald: 86 pressures, 15 sacks, 49 run stops;
Cameron Heyward: 61 pressures, 11 sacks, 46 run stops;
2022:
Chris Jones: 77 pressures, 15 sacks, 31 run stops;
Quinnen Williams: 52 pressures, 13 sacks, and 32 run stops;
2023:
Aaron Donald: 84 pressures, 10 sacks, 31 run stops;
Chris Jones: 75 pressures, 14 sacks, 21 run stops;
2024:
Cameron Heyward: 56 pressures, 10 sacks, 44 run stops;
Chris Jones: 74 pressures, 6 sacks, 22 run stops;
If we look at the seasons of Heyward (both seasons), Quinnen Williams, and Buckner, what Leonard Williams did deserves at least an honorable mention or a spot on the second team.
Most used pass rush techniques
Very productive as a pass rusher and solid against high-level linemen. On this play, against Quinn Meinerz, he threatens to attack outside and changes direction so suddenly that the right tackle can’t recover. Williams manages to pressure Bo Nix, who ends up getting intercepted.
Again, he lines up against Meinerz. He can’t win the first time, but it’s a perfect example of how he has a good repertoire of counters against an All-Pro guard.
Excellent swim move against the center, requiring help from the LG. The sack doesn’t go down in Williams’ stats, but he forced the QB directly into the arms of Jarran Reed.
1. Bull rush
It’s a move of pure strength.
2. Swim move
Passes the block with one arm over the top, using the other to gain leverage. Ideal for interiors who need to beat large LGs.
Very natural movement to beat the LG at the start of the play.
3. Twist/stunt in double-team
Due to his strength, sudden speed, and variety of alignments, Williams is an excellent stunt threat. A stunt occurs when defensive players, usually defensive linemen or linebackers, switch their typical gap assignments or running paths to confuse the offensive line.
Torch Stunt is a play from the interior of the defensive line, in which two defensive tackles read the center’s blocking direction to create a “torch.” If the center blocks toward a defensive tackle, the latter will run around the center to the opposite A-gap, while the other defensive tackle attacks the center directly, trying to create space. Because the center is looking at the first defensive tackle, he is caught off guard and left vulnerable to the second defensive tackle’s power move.
Normally, the second defensive tackle is only responsible for opening up space. Not when that defensive tackle is Leonard Williams. He manages to not only create space for his teammate, but also get to the QB. On this play, he forces a fumble, and it’s a shame it didn’t turn into a turnover.
Again, besides creating space for J-Reed, he can also make the sack.
Combatting the Running Game
He achieved a PFF Run-Def Grade of 79.5 (5th among 219 interior DLs) with 16 tackles for loss.
1. Double team
At times, he was moved by double teams (most often in running situations). Perhaps this was the biggest point of concern in his game.
With his vast experience, he adapted, using wider power steps to avoid double-teams.
2. Hands-in-Space
He uses his hands to keep the blocker away from his body, clearing space for reading the play.
He lures the RT into the inside gap and uses his swim move to quickly escape and prevent the TD.
3. Stack and Shed
He pushes the blocker until the RB passes and then breaks free to make the tackle—he has 41 TFL and consistent tackle production.
Lines up as a wide end against Trent Williams, one of the league’s best tackles. Leonard is so dominant that he appears to be lining up against Stone Forsythe, given the way he leaves the tight end on the ground after the snap.
Once again, he uses the technique of controlling the opponent while the RB searches for a lane, getting rid of the tight end when he needs to make the tackle.
Technical versatility in multiple positions
He has played at least six different techniques—from zero-tech (over the center) to the edge—showing immense adaptability.
Playing multiple positions maximizes his impact: he excels both in the 3-technique, his traditional strength, and in positions further off center (5- and 6-techniques).
According to PFF in 2024:
27 snaps in the A-Gap;
349 snaps in the B-Gap;
245 snaps as a Big End/5-Tech;
130 snaps beyond the OT;
Processing/football IQ
He basically fights against three blockers, but keeps his focus on the QB. Then he shows speed and effort to get after Jacoby Brissett and force the errant pass.
In a postgame interview, Leo confirmed that he was already expecting this pin-and-pull. This is quite clear when, before the snap, he takes an extra step inside the line, making it harder for the LT to block him, and thus the DT makes the play.
If anyone asks you how to play against a kickout block, just show them this snap from Leo. He quickly identifies it, attacks with his inside arm, to have the other free to tackle. However, he throws the OL inside and forces the cutback.
Pay attention to the LG, notice how the snap comes out and the Cardinals player is still looking back. Williams has an unconventional approach, but he moves, using leverage, the OL and makes the tackle.
Final Thoughts
Leonard Williams was one of the most impactful interior DLs in the NFL in 2024. His classic strength, agility, and game-reading techniques made a difference, both in the pass rush and in containing the run game. His technical versatility, pressure power, efficiency against the run, and impact on decisive plays cemented him as the centerpiece of the defensive line that is taking on a new identity under Mike Macdonald.
In short: an All-Pro season—an example of consistency, technique, and real impact on the field. There’s little room for improvement in his game; the big question is whether he can maintain this level.
