The Jameson Williams breakout season just might be upon us.
The Lions drafted Williams out of Alabama with the No. 12 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft but his transition to the next level hasn't been as seamless as Detroit would have hoped.
Williams started his career with a four-game suspension due to a violation of the NFL's gambling policy, and he never truly found his footing during his 2022 rookie season aside from a few big plays.
He was expected to be a key factor in the Lions offense as a second-year player last season but that never came to fruition, either. Williams finished with a pedestrian 24 receptions for 354 yards and two touchdowns over 12 games.
Now jumping into a WR2 role for Detroit this season, Williams made a loud statement in the 2024 season opener that could foreshadow a big year forthcoming.
MORE: Lions pull off comeback win over Rams in overtime
Jameson Williams stats vs. Rams
- Receptions: 5
- Rec. Yds: 121
- Rec. TDs: 1
- Rush: 1
- Rush Yds: 13
Williams is known for his big-play ability as a deep threat with 4.25 40-yard dash speed.
The Rams defense learned that the hard way as the 23-year-old torched defensive backs and got behind the secondary on a couple of different occasions.
Williams showed how dangerous he can be after the catch in the second quarter, doing most of the legwork on a 37-yard reception over the middle.
Speed on display 💨
— NFL (@NFL) September 9, 2024
Goff finds Jameson Williams for 37 yards!
📺: #LARvsDET on NBC/Peacock
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/8iGTrEHLaY
MORE: The latest updates on Puka Nacua's knee injury
His most electrifying play came early in the second half, burning Rams cornerback Tre'Davious White on a simple stop-and-go route for a 52-yard touchdown.
GOFF. WILLIAMS. 52 YARD TD!
— NFL (@NFL) September 9, 2024
📺: #LARvsDET on NBC/Peacock
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/T7wgLF9pcF
Williams got White so badly on the route that he drew a defensive holding penalty and still scored.
On a night when stopping Amon-Ra St. Brown was clearly the Rams' No. 1 priority, Williams was the biggest beneficiary. He led the Lions in targets, receptions, and yards, registering career highs in all three categories.
Jameson Williams fantasy outlook
Those who took a late-round flier on Williams in fantasy drafts are feeling good, but he's still available in 21.7 percent of ESPN leagues. The Lions' playmaking receiver will surely be among the most popular waiver wire targets in those leagues following his breakout game.
Williams will serve as Detroit's WR2 and No. 3 receiving option behind St. Brown and tight end Sam LaPorta. Given all the attention that those two stars garner, Williams should have plenty of opportunities to make big plays like he did in this one.
Williams looks like a fantasy football WR3 or viable flex option with massive upside potential to be even more than that if he continues to build a rapport with Goff. If you don't trust him to stay healthy, this is a prime "sell-high" opportunity, but if you're willing to take the ride, Jameson is already looking like a draft steal.
