The Detroit Lions took a major step forward in 2023, going 12-5 and winning the NFC North. Heading into 2024, they are looking to prove that wasn’t a fluke and they are a force to be reckoned with.
This offseason, general manager Brad Holmes has done a great job of securing the team’s future. Quarterback Jared Goff, wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown and tackle Penei Sewell all received massive contract extension.
One player who is hoping to join that group as foundational pieces for the Detroit Lions is wide receiver Jameson Williams. A first-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, his career has not panned out to this point.
Despite tearing his ACL in the National Championship game playing for Alabama, he was selected No. 12 overall. Detroit wanted him so badly, they traded up to select him at that spot in a deal with the Minnesota Vikings.
Alas, the torn ACL put him behind the eight-ball in his rookie season. Things were tough in his sophomore season, as he was suspended six games for infractions with the NFL’s gambling policy.
In the opinion of Colton Pouncy of The Athletic, 2024 is a make-or-break season for Williams. The opportunity is there for the Alabama product to break out and perform to the level the team had been hoping for when they selected him.
“This is a crucial year for Williams. It’s his third season, and he’s finally past the torn ACL and gambling suspension that slowed him his first two years. With Josh Reynolds off to Denver, Williams needs to be ready. The Lions are counting on him,” wrote Pouncy.
The pecking order behind St. Brown in the passing offense is wide open. Tight end Sam LaPorta is going to be heavily involved, as will running back Jahmyr Gibbs. But at wide receiver, Williams has a chance to cement himself as the No. 2 option.
That is what the team drafted him for in 2022. The pressure for him to be a star and develop into a No. 1 option has dissipated with St. Browns assuming that role.
With gamebreaking speed, there is certainly a place for Williams in the Detroit Lions offense. He can carve out a role as a deep threat, but if he wants to be part of their long-term plans, he needs to be more than a one-trick pony.