Detroit Lions: What to expect from Tyrell Williams in 2021

The Detroit Lions are looking at a completely new wide receiving unit this season. With the mass exit of many of the receivers on last year’s team, the Lions will be looking for a new receiver to be the number one option. Many hope that Tyrell Williams is ready for that challenge.

Williams is one of the many new faces that make up the wide receiving unit for the Lions heading into this season. The team is looking at a complete overhaul at the receiver position, and Willams has a chance to become the number one option for a team desperate to find stability at the position.

Williams spent four years with the San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers in his first five seasons and one season with the Raiders. For most of his time with the Chargers, Williams played second fiddle to four-time Pro Bowl receiver Keenan Allen. However, in 2016 when Allen went down with a season-ending knee injury, Williams stepped up in a big way, becoming the Chargers’ number one option. In Williams’s breakout 2016 season, he secured 69 receptions, 1,059 receiving yards, and seven touchdowns.

More from Detroit Jock City

• Tigers Sign Manager A.J. Hinch to Long-Term Extension
• Lions vs. Bears Week 14 Opening Odds Disrespect Detroit
• Former Tigers Celebrate Jim Leyland Hall of Fame Call
• This Pistons Team Could be the Worst in Detroit Sports History
• 4 Free Agents Tigers Should Sign During Winter Meetings

Williams missed the entire 2020 season with a torn labrum that required surgery. Coming off a severe shoulder injury, the Lions are taking a risk counting Williams to be their go-to receiver for new quarterback Jared Goff.

Detroit Lions wide receiver Tyrell Williams is the go-to guy in 2021.

The newly acquired receiver did not see much action in his first preseason game last week. Williams had two receptions for 30 yards on four targets.

Reps could be vital in getting Williams back into the swing of things before the season kicks off in September.

Experience is a major issue with this team’s current outlook on the receiver position. Quintez Cephus is the only returning receiver with playing time from last season. Cephus appeared in 13 games, grabbing 20 receptions for 349 yards and 2 scores. The Lions also welcome 2021 draft pick Amon- Ra St. Brown from USC to the unit.

Inexperience and consistency will be the tale of the Lions’ receiving unit this season. Williams is the only receiver on the team to have a season with over 1,000 yards receiving. Lions fans should expect a lot of learning on the job heading into this season with a new quarterback, a new head coach, and a new front office.

Williams has shown he has the potential to be the number one option for his team in the past. Now is the prime opportunity for him to showcase his case and become the receiver the Lions expect him to be.