'He’s Starting From Square One': Dan Campbell Assesses Jameson Williams
It can be argued that no member of the Detroit Lions' roster needs to perform well during the preseason more than second-year wideout Jameson Williams.
Playing over 50 snaps, the speedy wideout only secured two receptions, with one being a stellar one-handed grab to convert on a two-point attempt.
Unfortunately, there was a noticeable drop that would have likely been a touchdown, had Williams secured the football that was among Nate Sudfeld's best tosses at Ford Field.
Head coach Dan Campbell indicated for a player really at the beginning of his NFL career, as Williams did not play in the preseason last year, the work put in has the potential to benefit Williams in the long run.
"Yeah, look, and I told him this, I’m not worried about -- like I didn’t go into this game and say, ‘Man Jameson, he needs to have 10 catches and 180 yards.’ That was not what I wanted," Campbell said. "Just wanted to get lined up, urgency, route definition, detail, finish. And I thought for the most part, he did that. There again, I got to watch the tape, but he was in it. I thought he cut it loose and look, it’s not perfect, but not everybody’s perfect out there either. We got so much to clean up across the board, but I was more positive with the way that he showed up. I thought he did some really good things.”
Additional reading: Lions Grades Following Preseason Week 1
Williams is among the most scrutinized members of the roster, due to the organization trading up to make him the No. 12 overall pick in the 2022 draft.
Unfortunately, Williams development seems to occurring at a tepid pace.
With a six-game suspension, many were hoping the 22-year-old could shine and be the best player on the field, especially since he was matching up largely against second- and third-team defenders.
“He’s done a pretty good job at blocking things out. I mean, I know there’s a lot of stress or pressure that can be applied there, but it’s like we tell all our guys, you can’t listen to what’s going on in the outside world. Listen to us. Listen to your teammates. Listen to your coaches," said Campbell. "Honor the tape and let’s get better, and he’s done that, man. I feel like his approach has been really good since the last call it seven days. I mean taking a total leap.
"It’s all about getting better and growth and this was step one. Man, he needed this. He didn’t have a preseason last year. He really didn’t," Campbell continued. "I kind of feel like he’s starting from square one. So, this is a step in the right direction. We’ll get him in against Jacksonville and then we’re going to play him again and get him better, but this is a step in the right direction.”
