Heading into a season of high hopes, there are certainly ways things go awry for the Detroit Lions. Maybe the defense doesn't improve enough. Maybe Jared Goff regresses noticeably. Maybe they just broadly aren't up to the task of seizing the NFC North, for what may be the foreseeable future with a young roster and cap space coming down the road.
Narrowing to individual Lions players with the most spotlight on them, and scrutiny awaiting them if they fall short this season, Goff is the headliner followed by everyone else. But that's what comes with being the quarterback--blame or credit as a driving force for a team's results.
Alex Ballentine of Bleacher Report has predicted each NFL's biggest bust for the 2023 season, as in one player for each team. His choice for the Lions is obvious, nearly too much so.
Bleacher Report's predicted player bust for 2023 is almost too obvious
Ballentine's bust choice for the Lions is....
Jameson Williams.
"The Lions desperately need Jameson Williams to become their No. 2 wide receiver to pair with Amon-Ra St. Brown. Unfortunately, he didn't fill that role as a rookie.Alex Ballentine, Bleacher Report
He didn't make his debut until Week 13 because of the ACL injury he suffered in the National Championship Game. By the time Williams was healthy enough to return he was relegated to a limited role.
He flashed the big play ability that made him a first-round pick. His lone catch on the season was a 41-yard touchdown, but he only came down with one of his nine targets.
The Lions were counting on Williams to be ready for the start of the season and finally give them a complimentary player alongside St. Brown. Then Williams was suspended six games for violating the league's gambling policy.
For Williams to live up to expectations he's going to have to hit the ground running. That's a big ask for a guy who just hasn't seen much NFL action yet.
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Pressure was already going to be on Williams going into his second season, with easy expectations for a breakout campaign. His six-game gambling suspension has ratcheted up that pressure a few notches, now with just 11 games to show himself as a key piece of the Lions' offense this season. To hit the ground running in Week 7, literally and metaphorically, is a big ask.
On-field expectations for Williams have to be kept reasonable until further notice. Even with that, there is legit big-time bust potential for him this season. Some Lions fans want to ignore that and assume he'll be ready, or ready enoug. But the worst-case scenario for "Jamo" is there to be considered.