Even before the departure of Josh Reynolds in free agency to the Denver Broncos, the Detroit Lions were going to need more out of third-year wide receiver Jameson Williams, who has been quiet over his first two years in the league.
Williams had just one reception for 41 yards and a touchdown in his rookie season, which was cut short because he was coming back from a torn ACL suffered during his final college season that forced him to miss the first 11 games.
He then followed that up with 24 catches for 354 yards and two scores in 12 games in 2023. Williams missed the first four contests due to a gambling suspension, marking the second straight year in which he had something to overcome.
It's certainly fair to point out that Williams hasn't enjoyed a normal start to a season yet, which can impact a young player. However, the coast appears to be clear for the Alabama product ahead of his third season.
And, according to head coach Dan Campbell, so far so good with Williams, who he called the team's most improved player this offseason.
Campbell said Jameson Williams has been the most improved player this spring. Calls him a man on a mission.
— Justin Rogers (@Justin_Rogers) May 23, 2024
“He’s a man on a mission. I”m just going to leave it at that,” Campbell said, before noting that Williams has improved "everywhere."
Williams touched also touched on the progress he's made since last season.
"I think I've matured a lot," Williams said. "Coming in the league, I still had some childish ways. Wanted to do what I wanted to do, and how I wanted to do it. Sometimes you got to listen, and just be on the right track. Follow the right path, and you'll be down the right way."
The former No. 12 overall pick has all the tools to be a major impact receiver. He has the size (6-foot-1), and his speed makes him a threat all over the field. Adding to that, Williams has a good quarterback in Jared Goff to get him the football.
Targets might be tough to come by, though, as the Lions sport two top-notch pass-catchers in fellow wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown and tight end Sam LaPorta.
We'll see how that all plays out, but there should be enough to go around for him to carve out a significant role now that Reynolds is gone. And, if he can do that, the Lions' passing attack will be damn-near unstoppable.
