The Detroit Lions are determined to be among the contenders in the NFL once again, and they used their latest draft picks wisely. Tyleik Williams was the team’s top bet, and HC Dan Campbell reveals the key reasons behind the selection.
Often, picking late in the first round means missing out on the top prospects. However, the Lions’ head coach made it clear to the media that they are more than satisfied with the selection of former Ohio State Buckeyes player.
“He really fits what we’re all about,” Dan Campbell told Fox 2 Detroit. “Early in the process, he’s somebody we identified that really kind of fit all of our needs. And there’s things about him that remind me of Mack (Alim McNeill. (He’s really an athletic big man. He can play the nose, he can play the three (technique). He can play some five technique. Man, he’s excellent against the run. He can get an edge and pass rush, push the pocket. There’s a lot of upside with this guy. Smart, instinctive football player. We’re fired up.”
If all goes as planned, it looks like Williams could be a starter in Week 1 for Detroit, especially with Alim McNeill likely unavailable for the coaching staff. In that case, the former Buckeyes standout could share the field with DJ Reader, Roy Lopez, and Levi Onwuzurike.
Tyleik Williams #91 of the Ohio State Buckeyes speaks to the media during the Ohio State Buckeyes media day at the Georgia World Congress Center prior to the 2025 CFP National Championship between the Ohio State Buckeyes and Notre Dame Fighting Irish on January 18, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia.
The key reasons behind his selection
Williams had an outstanding season in college football, shining on the defense of a Buckeyes team that went on to win the championship. His versatility and explosiveness caught the Lions’ attention, with Dan Campbell confirming the reasons behind his selection.
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“I think that’s that’s why we picked him. Because we feel like he can get up to speed pretty quick and give us a hand,” Campbell explained to the press. “The thought of this kid continuing to grow, we get Mack back, we got Reader. Lopez certainly. You get Hutch back. Davenport. And so, it excites you.
“I feel like this guy, he fits a need,” the HC also added. “There’s just so much about the fact, man, when you get a big man that has the feet this guy has, that’s why I bring up Mack. I feel like these guys are kind of similar type players, and they can do a lot of jobs against the run and pass.”
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