Tyleik Williams Fantasy Stats

ESPN's Eric Woodyard writes that Detroit Lions rookie first-round defensive tackle Tyleik Williams could play a big role right away as he's expected to fill in for starting defensive tackle Alim McNeill (knee) as he recovers from a torn ACL that ended his 2024 campaign. "Knowing what we know and where he's at and what he can do, we like what he is," head coach Dan Campbell said. "He is smart. He can get lined up. I know he's been grinding in the rehab, the training, so that's good." The Lions were careful not to overwork Williams during offseason workouts after coming off a long championship season at Georgia, but when Week 1 rolls around, it sounds as though he'll be on the field often for Detroit's D-line. The 22-year-old also fell to the turf while running his 40-yard dash back in March, which was another reason Detroit took it easy on him during spring work.

Detroit Lions defensive tackle Tyleik Williams (undisclosed) has not practiced this week as he deals with an injury. The Ohio State product suffered a hamstring injury at his March 26 Pro Day, but head coach Dan Campbell did not specify if it was the same injury he is rehabbing now. "These rookies, we're trying to get them right before they get out for summer, and we bring them back," Campbell said. "We went them ready and healthy to go, full speed for training camp." It sounds as if Campbell is not worried about his availability later this offseason. Williams, the No. 28 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, registered 136 tackles (56 solo), 28 tackles for loss, and 11.5 sacks in 51 career collegiate games. He is expected to be a starter eventually, but he could begin his career as a rotational piece on the interior along with Alim McNeill and DJ Reeder.

The Detroit Lions have signed rookie defensive lineman Tyleik Williams to a four-year contract worth over $16.48 million. Williams was the No. 28 selection in last month's draft. A two-year starter at Ohio State, he'll join five other Lions rookies who have inked their deals -- leaving second-round guard Tate Ratledge the only one unsigned. The 22-year-old is part of a loaded Detroit defensive front, so it may be tough for him to garner a ton of playing time early on. Teammates DJ Reader and Alim McNeil are solid options up the middle, capping his upside to begin his career. Still, his athleticism and prowess in the run game should keep him on the field for now and push him into starter territory eventually.

The Detroit Lions selected Ohio State defensive tackle Tyleik Williams with the No. 28 overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft on Thursday night. Detroit opted to bolster the interior of their defensive line with their first-round pick this year with Williams, who stands at 6-foot-3, 334 pounds. The 22-year-old was a third-team All-Big Ten selection in 2024 after starting 13 games for the national champions. He recorded 46 tackles (eight for loss) and 2.5 sacks while missing three games due to injury. Williams had impressive tackle production as a run-clogger up the middle thanks to his nimble feet. He has the ability to dominant man-to-man matchups with offensive guards but will need to work on his hands at the next level with the Lions. The former Buckeye probably won't be a big sack guy, at least initially, which makes him a long shot to be worth a look in IDP fantasy formats in 2025.