The supporters of the Detroit Lions believed they had finally found the X-factor playmaker to enhance quarterback Jared Goff’s passing game after the team traded up to choose Jameson Williams 12th overall in the 2022 NFL draft.
At 6-foot-1 and 190 pounds, with lightning-fast outside speed, Williams appeared to be a perfect fit for Dan Campbell’s offensive weaponry. This was especially true given that Amon-Ra St. Brown, a 2021 fourth-round choice, was coming off a stellar rookie campaign as a possession specialist.
And yet, Williams hasn’t really put it all together, having caught just 25 of the 51 passes thrown his way for 395 yards and three touchdowns throughout his 18 career appearances. This is due to an unlucky combination of injuries, suspensions, and missed opportunities.
Depressing? Indeed, but that doesn’t mean Williams can’t assemble all the necessary pieces and establish himself as a major contributor for the Lions come fall. The Alabama product’s head coach claims that the former first-overall pick looks different in a positive way from his previous several offseasons, so if anything, going under the radar has made things simpler for him.
On Monday, July 29, 2024, wide receiver Jameson Williams lines up for a play at the Detroit Lions training camp at their facility in Allen Park, Michigan.
Mitchell, Kimberly P. / USA TODAY Network
Jameson Williams appears to be a self-assured player for the 2024 Lions.
The Lions’ coaching staff has had a chance to thoroughly assess their roster and compare their past, present, and future now that training camp has officially begun. According to Campbell, one of the standouts of the offseason has been Williams, who exudes confidence as he prepares for a crucial third professional season.
Since he has been here, this is the most assured version of him that I have witnessed. When we began this offseason, he had the appropriate mindset, and it hasn’t changed in the slightest. We like where he’s at mentally and emotionally, and he’s accepted the coaching, he’s trying to work on it, he’s progressing, and he’s making plays,” Dan Campbell told reporters via Pro Football Talk.
The only thing I would suggest is that everyone needs to maintain composure. There will be moments when tempers flare, there will be emotion involved, and you will feel the energy building, but you must maintain composure and ensure that you’re prepared for the next move, that’s all. Thus, I adore the enthusiasm we have in practice right now.
The article below continues with related news.
Taylor Decker and the Lions agree to a massive $60 million deal extension.
19 hours
Three of the top Lions training camp matchups to watch before the 2024 NFL season begins
Michael Badgley of the Lions receives devastating injury news on the third
Dan Campbell and Hulk Hogan cross paths during the Lions training camp.
4d
On paper, the Lions have strengthened their defenses in case Williams suffers again. Last fall, they acquired Donovan Peoples-Jones through trade, and they signed Tre’Quan Smith in free agency to complete their wide receiver group before of the crucial 2024 campaign. To ensure that Goff has plenty of offensive alternatives en route to a fight royale for the top slot in the NFC North, the Lions have backup plans in case Williams is unable to hang or simply demonstrates that he is a one-dimensional speedster who can only run go-routes.
Williams, a former Alabama product, has the speed to outrun most defensive backs straight down the field and add even more pop on screen passes and crossing patterns. If he can establish himself as a true difference maker on the outside, though, the Lions’ offense could reach heights fans had only dreamed of when the player came off the board in 2022. Why? Even though Williams only had one outstanding season in college, his size-speed combination makes him one of the few players in the NFL with enough footage to warrant a top-15 pick in the NFL draft.
Leave a Reply