Trust Deal: Lions general manager says a former first-round selection has to “grow up….
The primary factor contributing to the Lions’ recent success is the fact that their draft selections are meeting and occasionally surpassing expectations. That isn’t the case for every choice Detroit made, either. Jameson Williams, a wide receiver who was selected by the team with the 12th overall choice in the 2022 NFL Draft, has struggled in his first two seasons in the league, logging only 25 receptions for 395 yards and three touchdowns in 18 games. Although injuries and a four-game suspension for gambling are contributing factors to Williams’ lack of success, general manager Brad Holmes feels the 23-year-old simply needs to mature.
Holmes stated on the team’s website, “I’m sure you guys have talked to him before, and he’s told you that he had to mature a lot, and you witnessed that.” We conduct extensive background checks and research on every player we sign, so we knew a good deal about Jamo’s character. Still, we were confident that he would be a good fit for us, and he has demonstrated development. We remarked, “He’s going to need to grow up a little bit,” when we drafted him. It’s been exactly on pace because he did as promised. In the last season of his college career at Alabama, Williams was unstoppable, hauling in 68 receptions for 1,445 yards and fifteen touchdowns. Thus, it makes logical that the Lions decided to give him a try. In his first two years as a professional, he overcame several challenges; going into his third season, he has not encountered any. Holmes is now enthusiastic about his potential for 2024 as a result. Holmes continued, “You can tell he’s put in the work, and he’s been working even harder.” It has significance for him. This young person adores football. He truly loves football, and it’s clear from the outcomes of this training camp that he’s put in a lot of work.” Williams hasn’t had to be a major part of the Lions’ pass offense because of to the excellent performance of tight end Sam LaPorta, wide receivers Amon-Ra St. Brown and Kalif Raymond, and others. Last season, Detroit advanced to the NFC Championship Game without Williams ever having a major influence. Holmes, though, thinks Williams and the offense may be even more exceptional this year if he can keep picking up knowledge from the veterans in the room. Holmes said, “Obviously, you have an outstanding player like St. Brown; forget about the performance, but consider his intangibles and Kalif Raymond.” “He has a lot of excellent men to look up to and emulate. He has witnessed their methods in action, yet the outcomes in camp are evident.”