Why Jameson Williams Can Be Next Justin Jefferson
The Detroit Lions are hoping Jameson Williams can develop into one of the next great NFL wide receivers.
In seven games last season, the Alabama product struggled to connect with quarterback Jared Goff. Yet, he offered a sample of the lightning-type ability he can have within a game.
Both of his touches went for 40-plus yards, including a 41-yard touchdown on his only career reception. The wideout also had a 66-yard score called back in the Lions' Week 18 win over Green Bay.
Those plays are an indication of the impact that Williams can have on an explosive Detroit offense.
When Detroit general manager Brad Holmes and company traded up for him, they were hoping to secure the talents of a future NFL great.
It's adjacent to how Minnesota felt when drafting Justin Jefferson in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft. In just three full seasons, Jefferson, the No. 22 overall pick in 2020, has blossomed into one of the league's best wideouts.
The Lions are hoping to see Williams make a similar impact. His career was hindered to start in 2022, as he missed the first 10 games while rehabbing a torn ACL suffered in college.
The Alabama product has game-breaking speed, though. With this comes the ability to take the top off the defense and make impact plays.
Jefferson has become one of the most impactful wideouts in the game for a multitude of reasons. He has the concentration to make contested catches and the athletic ability to burn defenders.
For Williams to reach the top tier of receivers, he will need to demonstrate a similar ability to rein in contested catches.
During offseason workouts, the second-year wideout struggled with drops. However, Lions receivers coach Antwaan Randle El displayed confidence in the youngster's abilities to overcome the issue plaguing his production.
What has become clear is that the wideout requires little motivation to be successful. Teammates and coaches alike have raved about Williams' commitment to football itself and growing as a player.
Last season, he was restrained to the sideline as a result of his injury. Though he struggled at times during this year's offseason workouts, his presence alone on the field has done wonders for his development.
It has also allowed him to get quality reps with Goff. This camaraderie will continue to build throughout the offseason, before he must leave the team to serve his six-game suspension.
There will be pressure facing Williams when he returns, as his production has been limited throughout his brief NFL career.
Yet, he has a skill set that will set him up for success when given an extended rep count in 2023. He'll be counted on immediately once he returns, and his speed and route-running should provide him every opportunity to succeed.
