The 2024 campaign will be a crucial one for Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams, who has seen a lackluster start to his career.
The former No. 12 overall pick has tallied just 25 receptions for 395 yards and four total touchdowns over 18 games the past two years. However, he hasn't exactly had a normal start to either of his first two seasons in the NFL, which may have hindered his progress.
Williams spent all of his first offseason and most of the regular season working his way back from a torn ACL suffered in college, and then he missed the first four games of last season due to a suspension.
The Alabama product has been able to stay healthy this offseason and looks like a different player ahead of Week 1. The Lions are hoping he can step up in Year 3 as the team looks to replace the production lost by the departure of Josh Reynolds in free agency to the Denver Broncos.
Ahead of his third season, Williams has set lofty goals for himself: He wants to lead the NFL in receiving yards and touchdowns.
“I just want to have the most yards and TDs – that would be my personal goals," he told ESPN. "Out of the whole NFL, I want to have the most receiving yds and TDs. It don’t matter about catches, because I know what I’m gonna do when I get the ball.”
#Lions’ Jameson Williams to ESPN on Year 3 goals:“I just want to have the most yds and TDs – that would be my personal goals. Out of the whole NFL, I want to have the most receiving yds and TDs. It don’t matter about catches, because I know what I’m gonna do when I get the ball.” pic.twitter.com/5XssWdK6XT
— Eric Woodyard (@E_Woodyard) August 31, 2024
While there's certainly nothing wrong with setting high expectations for himself, the wideout is going to have a tough time hitting his goal. That's because he shares the field with one of the best in the business in Amon-Ra St. Brown, who finished tied for second, third and tied for fourth in receptions, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns, respectively, in 2023.
It would be great for Williams to put up the astronomical numbers it would take to lead the league in those categories, but the fact of the matter is, the Lions just need him to be a strong No. 2 or No. 3 (behind tight end Sam LaPorta) option in the passing attack.
