The Detroit Lions invested a first-round pick in defensive tackle Tyleik Williams last year, but the big defensive tackle fell short of expectations in a season marked by inconsistent play.
Williams is now facing a warning as he approachesh is second NFL season, with one NFL analyst noting that he is under pressure to take on an even bigger role for Detroit’s defense.
Reporter Vito Chirco of SI.com identified three Lions 2025 draft picks under pressure to improve for the coming season, putting Williams at the top of the list.
“He started Detroitâs first six games of the year alongside DJ Reader before becoming a rotational interior lineman upon Alim McNeillâs return from injury (a torn ACL),” Chirco wrote. “Williams certainly experienced his fair share of struggles as a first-year pro, earning a Pro Football Focus overall grade of just 62.6 for his efforts.”
Chirco noted that the Lions underwent some changes to their defensive line, which could leave Williams in line for an even bigger role for the coming season.
“With Reader having departed for the N.Y. Giants this offseason, the onus will be on Williams to take a major step forward in his second NFL season,” Chirco wrote. “If he fails to do so, the Lions will likely struggle to get consistent production out of the interior of their defensive line, even with a fully healthy McNeil.”
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