Jameson Williams talks relationship with former Buckeye, new Lions teammate Jeff Okudah

Former Alabama Crimson Tide star and Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jameson Williams is reuniting with a familiar face in Detroit following the 2022 NFL Draft.

Williams will get to go up against former teammate, cornerback Jeff Okudah in practice after getting after it together in Columbus. The first-round rookie described his relationship with the former No. 3-overall pick after the draft.

“Jeff was one of the guys at O State that we talked a lot, he was a big brother, for sure,” Williams said in his introductory press conference. “He ended up only having one year after my freshman year and got drafted to the Lions. I ended up talking to him in the morning, checking in and he was telling me, ‘good luck,’ and everything. And I ended up being a Lion later that night so, he put the tweet out and we talked last night. That was good.”

Jeff Okudah is still recovering from an Achilles injury that took him out of commission during the 2021 season after 48 snaps. He got his first career interception in 2020 but the Lions are hoping he has a lot more ahead in his future.

Williams played two seasons for the Ohio State Buckeyes before transferring to the University of Alabama. The move helped him shine enough that despite his late-season ACL tear, he was still the fourth receiver off the board on night one of the draft.

Williams responds to perception he was unhappy with Detroit landing spot

The Detroit Lions showed a lot of faith in former Alabama wide receiver Jameson Williams, trading up from No. 32 overall to No. 12 in the 2022 NFL Draft to bring him in. Detroit traded the 32nd, 34th, and 66th overall picks to select him.

After seeing his reaction after being drafted by the Lions on draft night, some speculated that it looked like Williams was less than thrilled with his landing spot. But the wideout has quickly put that idea to rest.

Williams said that he was just tired on draft night. He is excited to get things going with the Lions as a rookie this season.

“I’m looking forward to it, for real. Football, it’s what I do,” Williams said, via Pro Football Talk’s Josh Alper. “They traded up for a reason, trusted me and my playmaking ability. We gonna put everything together after my rehab and we’re gonna show the world.”

Williams brings a big-play threat to Detroit, adding a dynamic offensive weapon to the Lions offense. In his lone season at Alabama, Williams totaled 79 receptions for 1,572 yards and 15 touchdowns, averaging 19.9 yards per reception. He suffered a torn ACL in the National Championship Game. However, once he is able to return to the field in full health, Williams will make an impact right away.