The Detroit Lions have already begun acclimating their draft class to the NFL as rookies have reported to this weekend’s minicamp. While some players are still getting over the shock of being drafted, others have their eyes on the future as they look to be the missing piece that gets the Lions to the Super Bowl.
One incoming draft pick has already stood out during camp. But his long-term view has him looking for a big change less than one month on the job in Detroit.
Tyleik Williams Already Wants a New Number With Lions
Lions first-round pick Tyleik Williams is one of several rookies getting acclimated in this week’s minicamp and the reviews have been largely positive after the first day of practice. But while most teammates were memorizing the playbook or getting the basics down, Williams revealed that he wants to get a new number after being assigned No. 78.
“Right now, you know, I tried to get [No. 91,]” Williams told reporters including SI’s John Maakaron on Friday. “But, you know, it’s already taken. But hopefully I can get out of [No. 78]. …But for right now, it’s [No. 78] and, you know, I’m gonna stick with it and make it look good.”
Numbers have been a big topic of discussion for rookies across the league. Abdul Carter made headlines when he asked to wear Phil Simms’s No. 11 from the New York Giants was denied. Shedeur Sanders made more headlines when he took the No. 12 jersey of Cleveland Browns’ legend Don Cockroft. Chicago Bears rookie Luther Burden III griped when asked why he chose No. 87 saying, “All the good ones are gone.”
For Williams, his first target was the [No. 91] jersey he wore at Ohio State, but it’s currently worn by fellow defensive lineman Levi Onwuzurike. No matter what number he’s wearing, Williams looked good on his first day of minicamp, drawing the praise of assistant general manager Ray Agnew.
“I think there’s a lot more growth in this kid,” Agnew said before Friday’s practice via Lions team reporter Tim Twentyman. “This kid has a lot of upside. He’s got a chance to be a really, really good player for us and we’re excited he was there for us. He’s got a chance to be a really good run player, and I think he’s underrated as a pass rusher. This kid has a chance to be a force in the middle.”
The Lions are hoping Agnew’s assessment comes to fruition. Williams joins a defensive line that has loaded up during the offseason but could be without Alim McNeil for the first portion of the year as he recovers from an ACL. Onwuzurike, D.J. Reader and free agent Roy Lopez also gives the Lions some depth and competition in the middle of the defensive line as Detroit looks to be an NFC power again this season.