Lions Expect Jameson Williams to Make 'Big Impact on This League'

Detroit Lions' Ben Johnson reveals plans for Jameson Williams in 2023.

The Detroit Lions understood that Jameson Williams' rookie season would be mostly about getting healthy and acclimating to life in the National Football League. 

His first career reception, which turned out to be the only catch the No. 12 pick recorded in 2022, was an explosive, 41-yard touchdown grab against the Minnesota Vikings at Ford Field. 

"Jameson kind of had to start that, after he got healthy and cleared to get back on the field. So, I think a little bit of what you saw, I don’t think that’s really anywhere close to where this kid’s going to go," Brad Holmes explained at his season-ending media session. "I mean, he made some big plays, and he had some flashes. But, the other thing about Jameson, he’s just a football player, man."

This offseason, it is expected that Williams will connect with quarterback Jared Goff for offseason workouts in California. 

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Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson shared on the team's podcast this week the plan will be to position the speedy wideout at multiple receiver positions, to maximize what he and the offense are able to accomplish every week. 

Johnson explained, "What happened when the ball got in his hands last year? Explosion. We see it, you see it, everyone sees it. It's there. Jared (Goff) said it before, consistency, that's really the name of the game. We've had some great conversations with Jamo. Ever since the season ended, I know his mind is going to be right when he gets back in here in the springtime. He's really looking forward to taking that next step as a player and really make a big impact on this league." 

Johnson and the coaching staff are seeking to make it increasingly challenging for opposing defenses to guard the 21-year-old this upcoming season. 

"We'll move him around," said Johnson. "He'll be all over the place for us. I know this, when you get speed in the slot, it's very hard to defend for a defense. There will be times we do that. There will be times he's an X, he'll be Z. But, there's a lot he can do."

The front office and the coaching staff are expecting Williams to significantly enhance his understanding of the offense and build chemistry with Goff and the other receivers on the roster this offseason. 

"I don’t think anything he did this year is anywhere remotely close to where he’s going to go," said Holmes. "We’ll determine what that role is, and a lot of it is on him, too."