Jameson Williams is trying to find his way with the Detroit Lions, and it seems everyone has an opinion about what the young receiver must do to get on track and achieve stardom.
Many of those takes don't come with NFL playing experience, but one was presented that had weight. Herman Moore spent 10 years with the Lions, catching 62 touchdowns and making the Pro Bowl four times. So he knows what it takes to succeed as an NFL wide receiver, and many of those things are timeless.
In Williams, Moore sees a player who is talented and has plenty of potential. But as he cautioned, becoming a star won't happen overnight. Williams has work to do.
Here's Moore's rundown about Williams on Twitter.
I had the chance to chop it up with @MicroMike85 today on @LionsNationU to talk about what I see from Jameson Williams. Now, I'm going off limited looks since I can only watch what's on tape, but what I see is a player with NFL star potential. But it will not be automatic.
— Herman Moore (@HMAN84) August 19, 2023
Williams was clearly a top talent when he was drafted and I don't think anyone is denying that. Now it's whether he can take that same talent that allowed him to succeed at the college level and transfer it to the NFL star standards.
— Herman Moore (@HMAN84) August 19, 2023
One thing I see is that he's been catching the ball with his body after being a trusted hands catcher in college. This isn't surprising since he is a second-year player who has had limited time on the field due to injuries.
— Herman Moore (@HMAN84) August 19, 2023
Perhaps dissolving to becoming a body catcher has altered Williams' early path in the league. As Moore points out, missing time with injury hasn't helped.
There's a way Moore believes Williams can overcome some of his early struggels and break through.
Herman Moore: Jameson Williams could add a little bulk, should learn to trust hands
In terms of being able to compete at the NFL level, Moore sees a potential physical change for Williams, which may come naturally as he gets a little older.
While speed is a weapon for Williams, Moore thinks he could add some bulk and not sacrifice much of that. More Williams should learn to trust his hands.
Trusting using his hands will create separation and make him a bigger target in tight coverage. There is an entirely different level of confidence that comes with that trust in your hands.
— Herman Moore (@HMAN84) August 19, 2023
When he's down the field, he's going to have plays with DBs draped over him. If he's waiting for the ball to come to his body, it can easily be knocked out versus extending his arms to catch with his hands.
— Herman Moore (@HMAN84) August 19, 2023
I'm also curious to see how putting on a little more size would impact his game. I don't think it would compromise too much speed while adding to his physical ability and confidence.
— Herman Moore (@HMAN84) August 19, 2023
The Lions will now have to wait to find out what changes Williams can make in what will now be a truncated second season. He's out for the preseason with a hamstring injury, and will miss the first six games of the regular season due to suspension.
As Williams plots a path forward in his development, Moore may be open to working with him in some capacity.