The 2025 NFL Draft kicked off on Thursday night, and 32 players came off the board. Bringing in more talent for the 2025 season and beyond was the goal on night one, and the Lions did that exact thing.
With the 28th overall pick, the Lions drafted Ohio State DT Tyleik Williams, bolstering their defensive line. Fellow defensive lineman Alim McNeill is already excited about the addition, and expressed that on social media.
While it looks like Williams and McNeil are the future of the interior, it could mean the beginning of the end of defensive tackle D.J. Reader in Detroit. Last offseason, he signed a two-year, $22 million deal and gave them a solid but not a game-changer presence in the interior.
In 15 games, Reader finished with 23 total tackles, eight QB hits, and three sacks. According to PFF, he had a 65.4 overall grade (55th among 219 eligible defenders), 64.6 pass-rush grade (63rd among 219 eligible defenders), and a 61 run defense grade (57th among 219 eligible defenders). While those numbers are cool, they aren't elite.
With just one year left on his deal, you could see this being his last year in the Motor City. Williams is a stout run defender who will make an impact in Year 1. At Ohio State, he quickly disengaged with blockers to shut down the run and get uphill to disrupt the play.
He still has room to grow as a pass-rusher, but the Lions clearly like his potential. In 51 collegiate games, Williams had 136 total tackles, 28 TFLs, 11.5 sacks, and 10 pass deflections. The fact that he was a first-round pick means the Lions expect him to make plays this season. To get him on the field means Reader may play less. McNeil did tear his ACL last season, so this gives the Lions more wiggle room, but it looks like the writing is on the wall.
Having the trio of Williams, McNeil, and Reader is great for the Lions in 2025, but it looks pretty obvious that Detroit plans to let Reader walk next offseason.