Jameson Williams was a primary asset for the Lions’ front office, as general manager Brad Holmes traded up from the 32nd overall pick to No. 12 to land him.
Through his media sessions, Williams wasn’t extremely upbeat. Though some believe he may have been displeased to land in Detroit, it’s likely his subdued responses are the result of his mild demeanor.
Appearing on Complex Sports Live on Spotify Thursday evening, Williams expressed his excitement about being drafted by Detroit and laughed at the idea he wasn’t happy to be part of the Lions organization.
“I was just tired a little bit. I had to kick it the night before — it was a lifetime experience,” Williams replied.
“I’m looking forward to it, for real,” he later said. “Football, it’s what I do.”
The move up to draft Williams has clearly created confidence, as he spoke on his appreciation for the faith Detroit showed him even as he continues to rehab his ACL injury.
“They traded up for a reason, trusted me and my playmaking ability,” Williams said. “We’re gonna put everything together after my rehab and we’re gonna show the world.”
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The Alabama product was dynamite in 2021, catching 79 passes for 1,572 yards and 15 touchdowns. He suffered his torn ACL in the national championship game, which Alabama lost to Georgia 33-18.
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In an appearance on ESPN prior to the draft, Alabama head coach Nick Saban praised Williams for all that he added to the program during his tenure.
“He’s got great speed, and I think he’s a guy that can really take the top off. He can do more than that because he’s got some catch and run ability. But I really love Jameson,” Saban said. “He added so much to our program.”
Last year was his only season at Alabama, as he spent his first two collegiate seasons at Ohio State. While with the Buckeyes, Williams was part of a loaded receiver room that included fellow 2022 Top-15 picks Garrett Wilson (No. 10 overall, New York Jets) and Chris Olave (No. 11, New Orleans Saints).
Several of Detroit’s top receivers return from 2021. Most notably is Amon-Ra St. Brown, who set the organization’s rookie record for receiving yards. He’s joined by newly signed DJ Chark and a pair of returning players in Josh Reynolds and Kalif Raymond.
There’s also Quintez Cephus, who started strongly last season before suffering a season-ending broken collarbone in Week 5.
Returning at quarterback to lead the show is Jared Goff, who is entering his second season with the team.
After struggling to start the year, Goff finished with 11 touchdowns to just two interceptions after Dan Campbell took over play-calling duties in Week 10.
Williams’ timetable to begin action is uncertain. However, it’s clear the team has a plan for him when he can step onto the field.
“We talked about it in the springtime, finding someone on the outside who will dictate coverage,” said offensive coordinator Ben Johnson. “Shoot, I think he checks that box 100 percent. I think teams, when he gets healthy, they will realize where he is at on the field and that’s what we’re excited about because that’s gonna do nothing but open up our run game and the opportunity for all our other skill players.
“This is a guy that can stretch the field deep without any sweat. Hey is electric. He’s got juice. Once he gets healthy, we’re gonna have something to cook with. It’ll be fun.”
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