What Tyleik Williams' college film reveals the Detroit Lions are getting in the rookie defensive tackle
Selecting No. 28 overall, the Detroit Lions could have gone a half-dozen different directions with their first-round pick in the 2025 draft. Standing pat with the selection, the Lions let the board come to them before grabbing their highest-graded player, Ohio State defensive tackle Tyleik Williams.
With most outside observers fixated on edge rushers and interior offensive linemen, the defensive tackle group didn't generate the same level of buzz for Detroit heading into the event. Regardless, the pick made plenty of sense, and not just because the Lions deemed Williams the best player available. The roster had both short-term and long-term concerns at the position.
Immediately, the Lions need to bridge the gap while Alim McNeill recovers from the torn ACL he suffered last December.
Long-term, the need is even greater. Levi Onwuzurike, DJ Reader and Roy Lopez are all scheduled to be free agents at the end of the season, Mekhi Wingo doesn't have the frame to be an effective every-down player, and Brodric Martin might not make the 53-man roster out of training camp.
Williams should alleviate all those concerns. But what exactly are the Lions getting in the mammoth and uniquely athletic defensive tackle? We watched the All-22 film from his final five college games, culminating in the Buckeyes' national championship victory over Notre Dame, to build a scouting report.
Games watched
2024: Vs. Michigan, vs. Tennessee, vs. Oregon, vs. Texas, vs. Notre Dame