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2022 NFL Draft: Todd McShay explains why Lions trading up for Jameson Williams was top move

275133747_4796292347117549_592518599057046758_nby:Jonathan Wagner•04/29/22•

Jonathan Wagner

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Jeff Speer/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images.

Round 1 of the 2022 NFL Draft on Thursday night included a ton of movement, with nine trades taking place across the first 32 picks. One of those trades was the Detroit Lions moving up from No. 32 to No. 12, swapping with their NFC North rival Minnesota Vikings and selecting Alabama wide receiver Jameson Williams.

When asked about his top trade from the opening round of the 2022 NFL Draft, ESPN expert Todd McShay turned to the Lions for their deal to select Williams.

“Detroit Lions trading up for WR Jameson Williams,” McShay said. “The Lions badly needed receiver help, and Williams is a burner with soft hands and elusiveness with the ball in his hands. Detroit started the night by getting my No. 1 overall prospect in Hutchinson, and then they were able to move way up from No. 32 to No. 12 without dealing an additional first-rounder. That’s fantastic work. And it’s a great landing spot for Williams, too. No need to rush him back from the torn ACL in his left knee. Sit back and wait, and get ready for big plays for years to come.”

Williams will immediately step into a big role in the Lions offense

Entering the offseason, wide receiver was a big need for the Lions. Last season, Amon-Ra St. Brown broke out and led the team with 90 receptions for 912 yards and five touchdowns. Tight end T.J. Hockenson had 61 receptions for 583 yards and four touchdowns, while Kalif Raymond had 48 catches for 576 yards and four touchdowns.

Even with the emergence of St. Brown, the Lions needed to address the wide receiver position and did just that by walking out of the NFL Draft with Williams.

Williams is a true burner with incredible speed, but he is great at making plays down under as well, in addition to his ability in the return game. Last season at Alabama, Williams caught 79 passes for 1,572 yards and 15 touchdowns, averaging 19.9 yards per reception. He suffered a torn ACL in the National Championship Game, but the Lions are banking on his potential for long-term production.

Detroit also added Aidan Hutchinson with the No. 2 overall pick, giving the Lions an impressive haul on the opening day of the draft.