The Detroit Lions are looking to make a push to the Super Bowl this season and the first step of that process began in OTAs. While all the familiar faces were present, the Lions also acclimated several new players that will hope to help Detroit compete in a crowded NFC North division and push for their first championship since 1957.
Of course, some players make a bigger immediate impression than others. While the Lions are in the early stages of preparing for next season, one new addition stumbled out of the gate, letting Detroit down and wishing they had gone after someone else in the NFL Draft.
Tyleik Williams’s Injury Helped Him Get Off to a Slow Start in OTAs
The Lions made an unpopular decision during April’s NFL Draft when they took Ohio State defensive tackle Tyleik Williams with the 28th overall pick. Williams was an elite run-stuffer for the Buckeyes defense last season and figured to be a boost for the interior of the offensive line that could be without Alim McNeil to start the season. But Williams didn’t have the chance to get his first exposure to the NFL due to an injury suffered when he fell to the turf while running his 40-yard dash during Ohio State’s pro day last March.
Williams said on social media that he suffered a cramp and the injury was “nothing serious.” He also doubled down on his health declaring himself as “all healed” when he sat out most of the Lions’ first practice during rookie minicamp for precautionary reasons. All of this checks out if Detroit wants Williams healthy when it counts, but it raised some alarms when Williams didn’t participate during OTAs.
Now, the season is a long way away and DJ Reader praised Williams for being “really, really smart” and his ability to pick up the playbook. But it would be nice to see him on the field following something that’s been downplayed as a minor issue, especially considering the player Lions fans wanted was still on the board.
The Lions passed on Michigan cornerback Will Johnson as he slid down the board in April’s draft. While his slide was in part due to a knee issue, the Arizona Cardinals seem happy that he slid to them at the 47th overall pick in the second round. While the injury could produce long-term concerns, Cardinals defensive coordinator Nick Rallis seemed happy with his performance and couldn’t wait to get to work with him.
“He’s phenomenal,” Rallis said. “You know, we obviously love the player and to get him where we got him, good job [Cardinals general manager Monti Ossenfort]. But I’m excited. Now, just getting to work with him and that entire room. It’s another room that’s doing a really good job right now.”
It might be unfair to bury Williams without a padded practice to evaluate him. But it would be encouraging if he could get on the field. While Williams could pay off by adding to the Lions defensive line depth, Johnson would have played a more valuable role where his nine career interceptions at Michigan would have looked great across from Terrion Arnold. It also would have been interesting to throw him along with a cornerback room that also added DJ Reed this offseason.
Everything could be fine when Williams suits up during training camp and if he’s able to stay on the field, he’ll be able to validate his draft status. But if the issue continues to be a problem, Lions fans will keep an eye on Johnson and wish Brad Holmes made a different decision.