One of the biggest questions for Detroit Lions’ training camp revolves around wide receiver Jameson Williams. The Lions did not notably add to their wide receiver room all offseason, so they are banking on him having a breakthrough season.
A good training camp will go a long way toward Williams taking the expected step this year. With that in mind, NFL.com’s Kevin Patra is the latest to put spotlight on the 12th overall pick in the 2022 draft.
“In two seasons since the Lions moved up in the first round to snag Williams, the wideout has played in 18 total games, missing time due to injury and suspension. In those two seasons, he’s caught a total of 25 passes. For comparison, over two games in Weeks 6 and 7 last season, teammate Amon-Ra St. Brown caught 25 passes. Williams is a different player, but his usage in the games he’s participated in has mostly been that of a gadget or deep threat. Detroit is counting on him to develop into much more in Year 3. The talent is there, but he needs to sharpen his route running and concentration to be the every-down WR2 Detroit’s offense needs.”
Williams has shown in parts of the last two seasons that he has unique game-breaking ability, but he hasn’t been a consistent playmaker. During camp, Williams will have to display that he is ready to assume the responsibilities of being a top wide receiver.
Jameson Williams has worked hard to improve during offseason
At the start of OTAs, Lions head coach Dan Campbell wasted no time to praise Williams. Williams noted the growth he feels he had shown, while acknowledging Campbell’s reinforcement that he’s doing the right things.
“My mindset, it’s just been to get better, you know? Do better than I did last year, help the team out a little bit more and (in) a lot of ways. Hearing that come from my coach, it means a lot because I’ve been working and I’ve been putting in work ever since the season ended, so it feels good hearing that.”
Hopes are high for Williams as training camp nears, and so far it sounds like he’s ready to step up. No Lions player will have more eyes on him during practices at Allen Park, ready to scrutinize his every move.
