'Pre-practice menace': Jameson Williams' altered approach has him primed for a breakout

Allen Park — Unless we’re talking about mayflies, maturation isn’t an overnight concept. But given Jameson Williams only knows one speed on the field, maybe we shouldn’t be surprised his off-field approach turned a corner as rapidly as the Detroit Lions wide receiver accelerates off the line of scrimmage.

His metamorphosis likely began late last season. After tumultuous struggles with drops coming out of a four-game suspension to begin his sophomore campaign, Williams found some confidence down the stretch. Averaging 1.4 receptions for fewer than 22 yards the first nine games, he snagged 11 balls for 159 yards and a score the final three weeks of the regular season, before chipping in another 79 yards and a touchdown in the playoffs.

Admittedly, that's still modest production for a former first-round pick, but hints of a breakout were clearly there. It was enough that the Lions were OK with more subtraction than addition to their receiver room this offseason, content to lean on Williams as the No. 2 option entering a year where the franchise is expected to contend for its first Super Bowl.