The Detroit Lions added some depth to their trenches when they selected Ohio State defensive tackle Tyleik Williams in the NFL Draft. The 6-foot-3, 329-pound Buckeye is known as one of the best run-stopping defensive linemen in this year’s class and is looking to add a large body in the middle of Kelvin Sheppard’s defense.
But while Williams has plenty of value for Detroit, some fans weren’t excited. Some wanted the Lions to take a flyer on Michigan cornerback Will Johnson. Others wanted an edge rusher to pair with returning star Aidan Hutchinson.
There were several ways that Detroit could have gone with the 28th overall pick but it appears Williams is extremely happy with how things turned out.
Tyleik Williams Posts Video Showing Excitement Over Joining Lions
Williams posted a video on TikTok earlier this week that showed his excitement over joining the Lions. The video shows Williams dancing several times with the caption “POV: You just went first round to the Lions.”
Safe to say Tyleik Williams is happy to be a Lion. (Via his Tik Tok). pic.twitter.com/wrXM3uNvRT
— Kory Woods (@KoryEWoods) April 29, 2025
Part of his excitement could be that he went in the first round. The Athletic’s Dane Brugler had Williams projected as a second-round pick in this year’s draft and cited his need for further development as a pass-rusher. But Williams also knows the situation he’s going to isn’t a bad one.
The Lions will be Super Bowl contenders again in 2025 after reaching the NFC Championship Game in 2023 and posting a 15-2 record in 2024. He also knows that he’ll have a path to early playing time if he can unseat veteran DJ Reader at some point next season.
With Alim McNeil also rehabbing from a torn ACL, Williams could be one of the players counted on to hold the fort until his return, giving the 22-year-old plenty to celebrate as he begins his professional career.