There’s no denying the talent and physical tools of Lions WR Jameson Williams. The former University of Alabama standout was drafted by Detroit with the 12th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. Amid high expectations, he has battled injuries and a six-week suspension that has hampered his development at the pro level.
However, the St. Louis native had a solid showing upon his return to action in 2023, finishing the year with 24 catches and two touchdowns. However, many fans and observers feel like the upcoming season will see Williams’ star on the rise.
With one Pro Bowl receiver, Amon-Ra St. Brown, already in the fold, the Lions are expecting a promising one-two punch on the offensive side of the football. While still the no. 2 receiver on the depth chart, Williams has physical tools that even his talented teammate doesn’t possess. So, he’s a huge X-factor. How will he fare this season?
Pairing with Amon-Ra St. Brown
Last year, Jared Goff sent a text to Offensive Coordinator Ben Johnson that read “St. Brown HUGE Year”
Amon-Ra predicting the same for Jameson Williams this year, sort of feels like a passing of the torch. #OnePride https://t.co/oCby5XnFio pic.twitter.com/X3aHtCTO4M
— Eazy (@SpeakEZsports_) July 24, 2024
Amon-Ra St. Brown is a former USC Trojan who has turned out to be one of the greatest draft steals in recent memory. Selected in the fourth round with the 112th overall pick, he has blossomed into one of the top receiving threats in the NFL. He’s a multi-talented weapon who helps drive the aerial offense of the Lions.
His relationship on and off the field with Williams has been superbly classy, with the star player constantly singing the praises of the no. 2 wideout. Their close friendship is evident when you see them on offense together, or even singing each other’s praises during media appearances.
That kind of synergy is exactly what Head Coach Dan Campbell and (especially) quarterback Jared Goff are counting on, as they attempt to make a run to Super Bowl LIX. Detroit was the league’s third-ranked offense last season, with 6,712 total yards – and 4,401 of those yards came through the air.
Now, a full season with a healthy Jameson Williams could raise those figures to even higher levels. And it certainly doesn’t hurt that they have two amazing athletes in the same position who don’t seem jealous of one another. In fact, they both speak about their teammate as if he were a long-lost brother.
“I like Amon-Ra. That’s my boy. He is a real monster on the field,” Williams told All Lions during his rookie year. “You see the way he trained, the way everything goes for him. Like, it’s well deserved. It’s been great watching him. I learned a lot of stuff from him, like the way he moves on the field, and how the game goes. He’s taught me a lot since I’ve been out there. He’s helped me with the plays and with the playbook a lot. He’s just a real monster. So, I learned a lot from him.
“I know I’ve said this every year, but I feel like this year is going to be huge for (Williams),” St, Brown said on the second day of training camp. “I actually know it is.”
Lions Receiving Core Looks Outstanding
On top of the many skills of St. Brown and Williams, the team has talent in other aspects of their receiving core. Along with the pair of prodigious wideouts, the team also boasts the best young tight end in the NFL: Sam LaPorta. Last year during his rookie season, the former 2023 second-round pick put up some prolific numbers. He grabbed 86 passes for 889 yards and 10 touchdowns. He’s expected to improve in 2024 as well.
Khalif Raymond and Donovan Peoples-Jones should add depth to the receiving unit of the Lions. And perhaps the most intriguing receiver in camp right now is Isiah “Juice” Williams, the former University of Illinois QB who converted to receiver in college. The Lions signed him as an undrafted free agent this offseason.
The Lions (12-5 in 2023) and their aerial attack will open the 2024 NFL schedule with a week 1 match-up against their former quarterback, Matthew Stafford, and the Los Angeles Rams (10-7 last season). It will be broadcast on Sept. 8 on the first regular season edition of Sunday Night Football.
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