The Detroit Lions drafted defensive lineman Tyleik Williams in the first-round last year, and with that move came plenty of lofty early expectations.
Most wanted Williams to make a bigger impact as a rookie, but reality said it was always going to be a season of learning along a crowded Detroit line. Even still, Williams enjoyed a decent season, putting up 18 tackles, one sack and four passes defended in 17 games played. It was an impressive output for a developing player while learning on the job.
As a result, in 2026, the best could be yet to come for Williams. Heading into this season, the young defensive tackle is feeling more comfortable. As he explained to the media, he's not nervous anymore, which is allowing him to put his learning to good use and play free in between the lines.
"I feel way better. I don't feel as nervous, so I'm playing faster. I learned a lot last year, so just trying to use that to build on this year and get better. (I learned) just how the NFL is played. It's a lot different than college. Players are way better, schemes are way better. So just having a year under my belt, I feel like I'm just playing faster and more fluid."
A faster, more intent Williams is a scary thought for the opposition. As a rookie, he showed signs of being able to compete at the highest level in bursts. If he is able to put everything together, that will make the Detroit defensive line that much scarier for a new season. They need to be able to stop the rush consistently as well as collapse the pocket.
The Lions are looking to get their defensive edge back this season and dispel some myths about their abilities, and Williams could have the biggest say in how that happens given his development.
Williams still leans on Alim McNeill for advice heading into new season
Adjusting to the NFL can take time, but fortunately, WIlliams has had a couple of fantastic mentors to rely on his first two seasons in the league. One has departed in DJ Reader, but McNeill is still on the roster and helping every single day.
Even though Williams feels more comfortable, he still leans on McNeill to give him tips and advice heading into his second season in the league. As he said, that's been good experience to have at his disposal.
"I talk to Alim (McNeill) every day about something with football. Last year it was DJ (Reader) and Alim. Now it's Alim. So I mean, Alim helps me whenever I need help and he's been that great leader for me going into year two."
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Part of the reason the Lions let Reader walk this offseason was because they knew they had a young and improving beast in Williams. While veteran depth up front is always good, it's possible the Lions benefit from turning a more confident Williams loose earlier this year and letting him flourish.
Along with McNeill, he could become part of the effective one-two punch the Lions have long craved at defensive tackle.
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