Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams has not really gotten the opportunity to truly showcase his talents on the NFL level just yet.
Williams, who played his collegiate football at the University of Alabama, was selected by the Lions with the 12th overall pick of the 2022 NFL Draft.
Injuries and a gambling suspension have limited Williams to just 18 games through the first two seasons of his professional career to date.
The 23-year-old finally was able to flash some of his potential late in 2023, particularly in Detroit’s NFC Championship Game loss to the San Francisco 49ers when he scored touchdowns as both a receiver and a rusher.
On the 2023 campaign overall, Williams played in 12 games and caught 24 passes for 354 yards and a couple of touchdowns while also punching in a rushing score.
Williams’ role is expected to grow in 2024, and Anthony DiBona of Pro Football Network has named him the Lions player most likely to improve this year.
Why 2024 could be a big season for Lions receiver Jameson Williams
Detroit’s top two receivers last year were Amon-Ra St. Brown and Josh Reynolds, but Reynolds departed via free agency this offseason.
That means Williams has a great shot of winning the No. 2 receiver role behind St. Brown in training camp, and the general consensus is that Williams will be second on the Lions’ depth chart.
Thanks to the ability Williams displayed late last season, Detroit will likely feel comfortable getting him the football early and often in 2024.
Lions head coach Dan Campbell has already revealed some pretty hefty expectations for Williams this coming season, and with a very solid quarterback in Jared Goff throwing him the rock, Williams could absolutely be in for a breakout campaign.
The only other wide out that could possibly supplant Williams for the No. 2 role is Kalif Raymond, who is already 29 years old and maxed out at 616 yards with Detroit in 2022.
So, barring a major setback or unforeseen circumstances, Williams should have a great opportunity to make his mark come September.
With St. Brown, Williams and tight end Sam LaPorta, Goff has some terrific weapons at his disposal in the aerial attack, and running back Jahmyr Gibbs could be in for a monster season.
There is no question that the Lions are legitimate Super Bowl threats heading into 2024.