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Detroit Lions 2022 NFL Draft: Reactions and pick grades

By Zach Payne

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - APRIL 28: Aidan Hutchinson poses onstage after being selected second by the Detroit Lions during round one of the 2022 NFL Draft on April 28, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by David Becker/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - APRIL 28: Aidan Hutchinson poses onstage after being selected second by the Detroit Lions during round one of the 2022 NFL Draft on April 28, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by David Becker/Getty Images) /
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Jameson Williams, Detroit Lions
Credit: Carmen Mandato/Getty Images /

Round 1, No. 12 overall: Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama

In perhaps the most shocking move of the first round, Detroit moved up 20 spots to grab the Alabama speedster Jameson Williams.

Making that far of a jump was shocking, just as shocking as how fair of a deal it was to do so, some even thought the Lions pulled off a heist. The Lions gave up picks 32, 34, and 66, and in return got picks 12 and 46 from the Vikings. To be able to retain a second-rounder made the move reasonable for Detroit. It also proved they will package significant draft capital to go and get a player they love.

Now about that player. Williams certainly checks the box of the X-receiver the Lions were looking for. Not in traditional terms, as Williams is listed at 6-foot-1 and 179 pounds, but in terms of being able to dictate coverage and be the focus of a passing attack.

Williams tore his ACL in the National Championship in January. He hopes to be ready to go by training camp, but that timeline might be optimistic. Fortunately, the Lions are in a position where they have no need to rush Williams back before he’s fully ready. If he’s not ready to play at full capacity until October, so be it.

Williams might not be able to offer his best until 2023. But Detroit might wind up with the best wide receiver in this class.

Grade: A 

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