The Detroit Lions learned their 2025 schedule on Wednesday night and the wheels for next season are officially in motion. Detroit convened for their first team workouts this week and with the schedule released, Lions fans can move forward with accepting wedding invitations, planning family functions and perhaps a well-earned vacation.
Another aspect of the schedule is which matchups favor Detroit. As a Super Bowl favorite, the list is long. But for incoming rookies, there are certain teams that they can exploit and one rookie could be poised for a breakout when they take on the Green Bay Packers in Week 1.
Lions Rookie Tyleik Williams Could Break Out Early Against Packers in Week 1
Lions fans questioned their team’s first round pick as they selected Ohio State defensive tackle Tyleik Williams. A force in the middle of the Buckeyes’ defense, Williams logged 46 total tackles but just 2.5 sacks in his final year in Columbus, leaving concerns about his pass-rushing ability. While that remains a work in progress, Williams’s strengths will be highlighted against the Packers.
Williams was an elite run-stuffer with Ohio State, ranking eighth among qualifying interior defenders with an 88.6 grade according to Pro Football Focus. The 22-year-old also made 20 run stops and had a 6.1% missed tackle rate during last year’s national championship campaign, giving the Lions a big boost in the middle of their defense.
The Lions ranked fifth against the run last year, allowing 98.4 yards per game. But they may have trouble replicating that success early if Alim McNeil doesn’t start the season. Levi Onwuzurike (66.5) and DJ Reader (62.6) were the highest-graded interior defenders against the run last season and while Reader had an impressive 5% missed tackle rate, Onwuzurike was more of a liability with a 10.7% missed tackle rate.
This will be important against the Packers. Green Bay ranked fifth with 146.8 rushing yards per game last season and use a creative rushing game featuring running back Josh Jacobs as well as dynamic receiver Jayden Reed. But while Matt LaFleur has had success crafting a ground attack, they’ll have some changes heading into this season.
The Packers bolstered their offensive line heading into the offseason by signing guard Aaron Banks in free agency. The move forces Elgton Jenkins to center to replace the departed Josh Myers, but while he’s open to the move, he could be seeking a new contract with no guaranteed money remaining on his deal.
This could create an interesting situation if Jenkins’s contract issues aren’t resolved. If he misses extended time during training camp, the Packers could have limited reps with their starting lineup. That lack of experience could leave Green Bay rusty in Week 1 and Williams could take advantage as an elite run-stuffer.
Williams probably won’t be on his way to an All-Pro season but he can at least announce his arrival with a big performance in Week 1. With the Lions interior in flux, having a player like Williams can only make them stronger and make fans get excited about their first-round pick.