Dallas Cowboys defensive end Sam Williams (54) showcased his quickness in a 24-6 victory against the Lions. Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Jerry Jones praises lightning-quick rookie DE Sam Williams

By Clark Dalton | Last updated 10/25/22

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
Sack fumble by Sam Williams! #DETvsDAL pic.twitter.com/bEp28UoeWJ
— Dallas Cowboys Collaboration (@mailman_phil) October 23, 2022

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

Sam Williams: 91.6
Nik Bonitto: 80.3
Aidan Hutchinson: 80.1 pic.twitter.com/BK2laWNfBB
— PFF College (@PFF_College) October 11, 2022

"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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