Williamson, just a tad smaller at 6'1" and 246 pounds than Harris (6'2", 250) and Davis (6'2", 248), is respectful of the Jets' line of succession at his position.

"Those are definitely some great shoes [to fill]," he said. "Double-D and David Harris have done a phenomenal job, so I'm definitely looking forward to carrying on the tradition of having a solid middle linebacker for the Jets."

More important than comparisons to past players, though, is how it's working out with the current players. He's said his meshing with fellow inside 'backer Darron Lee is going well, as is his assimilation into head coach Todd Bowles' and coordinator Kacy Rodgers' scheme.

"I feel like I fit right in," he said. "Coach Kacy explained how he wants his defense to be, and I'm excited about it. We've still got some bugs to work out, make sure we're always on the same page, but I feel as a group it's really coming along well."

That's the kind of guy Williamson is: humble on a personal level but bullish on his new home and his new unit's chances for success in the coming season.