Seahawks film breakdown: Leonard Williams had an All-Pro caliber season

‘Big Cat’ had a big year for the Seahawks, even if he didn’t get national accolades from voters.

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...