Detroit Lions’ Jameson Williams Poised for Breakout Season After Significant Growth

The Detroit Lions had high hopes for wide receiver Jameson Williams when they picked him 12th in the 2022 NFL Draft. Over two seasons, Williams has had 31 catches for 474 yards, four touchdowns, and five rushing attempts that added 111 yards and two more touchdowns. But it wasn’t just about his stats—Williams needed to mature both on and off the field.

“When we drafted him, we knew he had some growing up to do,” said Lions general manager Brad Holmes.

As the Lions prepare for their upcoming season opener on Sept. 8 against the Los Angeles Rams, the team believes Williams has made significant strides in his third year.

“There’s been tremendous growth in Jameson,” said Ray Agnew, the assistant general manager of the Lions. “He’s approaching the game like a professional now, with improved route running and catching. He’s an exciting player to watch, and I expect big things from him this year.”

The Lions, who reached the NFC Championship Game last season, have high hopes for the 2024 season despite losing their No. 2 wide receiver from last year. With Williams, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Kalif Raymond, and rookie Isaiah Williams as their wide receivers, the Lions are looking strong.

“Jameson loves football, and it shows,” Holmes added. “He worked hard in training camp, improving in all aspects—route running, catching, and building chemistry with quarterback Jared Goff.”

During his time at Alabama in 2021, Williams was a standout, catching 79 passes for 1,572 yards and 15 touchdowns. This performance made him a first-team All-American.

The Lions traded three draft picks to get Williams, knowing his rookie season would be delayed due to a knee injury. Williams didn’t start practicing with his NFL teammates until November 2022 and played six games as a rookie.

In April 2023, Williams faced another challenge when the NFL suspended him for violating the league’s gambling policy, causing him to miss the first four games of the season.

Despite these setbacks, Williams showed growth and potential. The Lions’ 2023 season ended in a close 34-31 loss to the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship Game, where Williams scored a 42-yard touchdown run.

Holmes reflected on Williams' journey, noting that although there were challenges in his first two years, they helped him grow both as a player and as a person. “You can clearly see the maturation in his game now, and it’s been a joy to watch.”