Jameson Williams returns to Lions practice

On3 imageby:Steve Samra11/21/22

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Jeff Speer | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

He’s back. Former Alabama star turned Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams is going to be at practice on Monday.

“Lions’ first-round pick Jameson Williams will return to practice today,” tweeted Adam Schefter of ESPN.

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The blazing fast wide receiver hasn’t made his NFL debut yet, as he’s been hampered by a knee injury suffered in last season’s championship game loss to Georgia while as a member of the Crimson Tide.

Regardless, the Lions are believers. They traded up to grab Williams in the 2022 NFL Draft. Now, they’re looking to reap the rewards. The move was lauded, and the wide receiver will be hoping to prove them right.

Jameson Williams is on the track to making his NFL debut, and getting back on the highlight reel.

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Even though Williams is coming off of a torn ACL that he suffered in last season’s national title game, the Lions are banking on him returning to his explosive form from before his injury. Detroit traded up to the No. 12 overall pick on Williams in the 2022 NFL Draft, giving up the 32nd, 34th and 66th picks to Minnesota. They also received the 46th overall pick as part of the deal. 

A former four-star prospect per the On3 Consensus, he was the No. 87 overall player in his class and a top-20 prospect at his position coming out of Saint Louis (Mo.) Cardinal Ritter College Prep. 

Moreover, Williams began his collegiate career at Ohio State, bringing in just 15 receptions over two seasons with the Buckeyes. He transferred to Alabama after the 2020 season, and immediately became the focal point of the Crimson Tide offense.

During the 2021 season, Williams hauled in 79 receptions for 1,572 yards and 15 touchdowns, averaging 19.9 yards per reception. He also returned two kickoffs for a touchdown and had 352 yards on ten returns.

Following April’s NFL Draft, analyst Lance Zierlein took a look at Williams and his game, giving Williams a pro comparison of Will Fuller, who most recently has spent time with the Miami Dolphins.

“Linear route-runner with electric long speed to impact a game as a home-run hitter or decoy drawing defenders away from other elements of the offense,” Zierlein said. “Williams ruins man coverage but faces some limitations. He has issues getting off press cleanly and might require some scheming to help get off the mark cleanly against certain corners. Catch toughness can be inconsistent when contested or in heavily trafficked areas. 

“He has all the juice to find consistent separation on vertical, over and post/corner routes and could see monstrous production if paired with a high-end talent at quarterback. The ACL tear could play a role in determining his ultimate draft destination, but it’s unlikely to change his game.”

On3’s Jonathon Wagner contributed to this article.