The NFL Draft has served as the foundation for the Detroit Lions' renaissance over the past few years. Amon-Ra St. Brown, Aidan Hutchinson, and Kerby Joseph were among those who have become pillars of the franchise after being drafted and have helped the Lions throughout their biggest run of success during the Super Bowl era.
When the Lions were on the clock with the 28th overall pick in last April’s draft, they believed that Tyleik Williams would be the next name to add to the list. However, the decision to take Williams was controversial as Michigan star cornerback Will Johnson was still available. Six months later, that decision is already haunting the Lions and could spark a debate that would tie both players at the hip for years to come.
Will Johnson is Making Lions DT Tyleik Williams Look Like a Draft Mistake
Detroit had several reasons for making Williams their first-round pick. While some projected the Ohio State product outside of the first round, Williams established himself as a run-stuffing 3-technique defensive tackle with room to grow in his ability to rush the passer.
“I think there’s a lot more growth in this kid,” Lions assistant general manager Ray Agnew said of Williams in May, 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 also had an immediate need in the middle of their defense. Alim McNeill tore his ACL last December and was expected to miss the opening portion of this year as he recovered. DJ Reader also had an underwhelming first season in Detroit, logging 23 total tackles with three sacks and four tackles for loss. The addition of Roy Lopez was viewed as a depth signing, and the return of Levi Onwuzurike provided the Lions with another body to lean on until McNeill was ready to go.
Onwuzurike’s season-ending knee injury during training camp made the decision to draft Williams look like a smart one, as it provided the franchise with a built-in replacement at that spot. While that aspect of the selection was certainly a positive one, the injury also meant the rookie would be thrown into the fire. As a result, Williams has seven pressures on 96 pass-rushing snaps and four run stops on 86 run defense snaps, according to Pro Football Focus. But he also hasn’t put himself in a position to make enough plays with a 51.3 overall grade and a 43.8 run defense grade.
PFF’s grades are arbitrary, as they can't take into account exactly what the coaching staff is asking a player to do. With that being said, Williams hasn’t been the player the Lions have hoped for, which leaves the decision to pass on Johnson more glaring.
Johnson was considered a top cornerback prospect and a potential top-10 pick in April’s draft, but he slid all the way to the second round due to a knee issue. The Lions had the opportunity to take Johnson, but they were one of several teams that passed before the Arizona Cardinals selected him with the 47th overall pick.
Since then, Johnson has done what Wolverines fans already knew. His 79.4 overall PFF grade is first among qualifying rookie cornerbacks this season, and eighth among all cornerbacks entering Week 7. He’s also been tremendous in coverage, allowing 13 catches for 79 yards and a touchdown with five pass breakups on 23 targets.
Conventional wisdom would lead one to believe the Lions were set at cornerback after D.J. Reed agreed to a three-year, $45 million contract in free agency, along with the front office investing a first-round pick in Terrion Arnold. Unfortunately, injuries have already knocked both players out of the starting lineup. That left Detroit relying on Rock Ya-Sin, Amik Robertson, and Nick Whiteside at the cornerback spots, creating a big hole in their defense.
Johnson’s knee injury is a long-term concern. But for a team that is designed to win now, it would have made sense to add depth to a position that needed it – especially since McNeill is projected to make his return in Week 7. In the end, the Williams pick is looking like overkill, while Johnson could have joined the list of homegrown talent that has made the Lions successful.