Leonard Williams has the look of an NFL player on the cusp of being one of the best in the league. But looks can be deceiving. Muhammad Wilkerson had that look once upon a time, and we know how that turned out.

Next man up is Williams, the 6-foot-5, 300-pound defensive end with a helmet full of curly hair. He’s the next man the Jets are counting on to be a force along the defensive line and an important voice in the locker room. At 24, he is ready to fulfill those expectations.

“It’s Year 4 for me now,” said Williams, the sixth-overall pick out of USC in 2015. “I feel like I’m a lot older and a lot more mature. I’m ready to help lead the team as much as possible.”

To no one’s surprise, the Jets released Wilkerson in February, which essentially leaves Williams as the last man standing from a defensive line that once featured Williams, Wilkerson, Sheldon Richardson and Damon “Snacks” Harrison. But those “Sons of Anarchy” days are long gone, leaving Williams plenty of space to grow into his full potential.

After reporting to camp Thursday, the Jets will hold their first full practice Friday, which is when Williams will start to lead by example on the field and off. Groomed at the Southern Cal football factory, Williams is comfortable with the media and high expectations. He’s also a solid teammate: approachable, loyal and all about football — a perfect leader.

“I think that’s a role that ends up coming with you and something that naturally gets developed,” he said. “I think I have a lot of respect from teammates because of how hard I work and stuff like that. When I do say something, they respect it.”

He needs to have a big year, the kind that leads to postseason recognition. Williams made the All-Rookie team in 2015 and the Pro Bowl in 2016. But last year, he posted a career low 47 tackles and just two sacks after seven sacks in 2016. He played in all 16 games, but was hampered by a wrist injury early in the year and a concussion late in the season. The circus surrounding Wilkerson, who was suspended for three games and benched in another for being late to meetings, couldn’t have helped either.

Williams did watch video of his play in 2017 and noticed when he fatigued late in games he would stand more upright, making himself easier to block.

“I have to stay low and hustle to the ball and inspire everybody to do the same,” he said.

He also feels better prepared to handle the double-team blocks that came his way once Wilkerson became a non-factor.

“If I’m going to get that, then I have to know how to beat it,” he said. “I just have to beat what’s given to me and work harder. Every year I just want to get better and better. I’ve had the physical attributes, but being able to learn from older guys and having good mentors have been helpful to key in on small details to help make me better.”

The Jets picked up the fifth-year option on Williams’ contract for 2019. He’s scheduled to make close to $6 million in base salary and bonuses this season and could earn up to $14 million in 2019. Should he have a good season, Williams could be signed to an extension by this time next year.

“I’m excited about what we have this year,’’ he said of the Jets’ roster. “We have a lot of great younger guys. We have a lot of great older leaders and I definitely trust our coaches. Like I said, it starts today with hard work.”