Jameson Williams provides promising timetable for his return from torn ACL

The big question surrounding Jameson Williams in this year’s NFL Draft is when his torn ACL will be back to full strength. Well, the former Alabama star provided an optimistic goal after the Detroit Lions selected him Thursday night.

Williams, who was the Lions’ No. 12 overall pick after they traded up to get him, told reporters he’s planning to be ready in time for training camp, which starts in July. That would set the recovery at about six months after he suffered the injury in the national championship against Georgia in January.

“I should be ready to go by training camp,” Williams said, via ESPN’s Field Yates. “I’m shooting for training camp.”

Williams was Bryce Young’s top target in 2021 and was a huge reason the high-powered Alabama offense made a run to the national title game.

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.