Detroit Lions select Alabama wide receiver Jameson Williams in 2022 NFL Draft

After putting up big numbers in his lone season with the Alabama Crimson Tide, wide receiver Jameson Williams has a new home after being selected by the Detroit Lions in the 2022 NFL Draft.

Even though Williams is coming off of a torn ACL that he suffered in the 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.

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 Alabama’s Pro Day, Williams provided an update on his knee injury, saying that he is on the upswing and progressing well in his recovery.

“Everything is going real good, I’m getting real good motion, just real good workouts and just getting back on my feet,” Williams said. “That’s the main part, just getting back on my feet and getting back ready to play football. It’s exciting going through the process.”

What NFL Draft analysts are saying about Jameson Williams

NFL.com analyst Lance Zierlein recently took a look at Williams and his game entering the 2022 NFL Draft. Zierlein gave 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.”