NFL Draft 2022: Best Pick By Every NFC North Team

Detroit Lions: Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama

The Detroit Lions did a great job building out their foundation in the trenches in last year’s draft, landing Penei Sewell and a pair of contrasting styles at defensive tackle. As for this draft, their focus shifted a bit to other parts of roster building.

They got Aidan Hutchinson at the second overall pick, a player whose toughness, leadership, and technical prowess as a pass rusher should provide an early impact. Josh Paschal makes their defensive line even more versatile and dangerous. Kerby Joseph was a nice third round pick with the ball skills to create turnovers.

Still though, their biggest splash (and best pick) was moving up to get Alabama wide receiver Jameson Williams.

It took a good amount of capital to get the former Buckeye-turned-Crimson Tide receiver, as they sent picks 32, 34, and 66 to the Vikings for picks 12 and 46. However, it wasn’t as much as many expected when they saw the Lions on the clock.

Williams is a game-changer, with the elite speed and acceleration to turn any catch into a score. He can gear up quickly in the short area, turning bubble screens into first downs. He’s flashed the separation quickness and lower body flexibility to be efficient through his breaks as his route tree grows.

The good news is that Jameson Williams doesn’t have to play right away and can take his time to get back from an ACL tear. When he does, teams will have to respect the speed and be on high alert at all times.