Lions Bolster Defensive Line with Tyleik Williams in First Round of 2025 NFL Draft
In a move that underscores their commitment to fortifying the defensive front, the Detroit Lions selected defensive tackle Tyleik Williams from Ohio State University with the 28th overall pick in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. This selection marks a significant investment in the interior of their defensive line and adds a player with a proven track record of disrupting opposing offenses.
Williams, a dominant force for the Buckeyes over his four-year collegiate career, brings a blend of size, strength, and surprising agility to the Lions’ defense. Standing at an imposing 6-foot-3 and weighing in at 334 pounds, Williams possesses the prototypical build of an NFL defensive tackle. However, his impact extends beyond his physical attributes. He established himself as a consistent and disruptive presence in the trenches, showcasing his ability to both stymie the run and generate pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
Over his time in Columbus, Williams appeared in 51 games, demonstrating remarkable durability and a consistent level of high performance. His statistical output speaks volumes about his impact. He accumulated a total of 136 tackles, with an impressive 28 of those being for a loss. Furthermore, he registered 11.5 sacks, highlighting his pass-rushing capabilities from the interior defensive line, and deflected 10 passes, showcasing his awareness and ability to disrupt passing lanes. He also contributed a forced fumble and a fumble recovery, demonstrating his knack for making game-changing plays.
In his senior season with the national champion Ohio State Buckeyes in 2024, Williams played in all 13 games, anchoring the nation’s top-ranked defense. He recorded 46 tackles, eight tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks. Notably, Pro Football Focus (PFF) graded his run defense at an exceptional 88.6, ranking him fourth among all FBS interior defensive linemen. This statistic underscores his ability to consistently win his matchups against the run, a crucial aspect for any successful NFL defense.
Lions General Manager Brad Holmes expressed his enthusiasm for the selection, highlighting Williams’ fit within the team’s defensive scheme and his impressive pre-draft interactions. “He has a lot of traits and qualities that we’re looking for. He’s going to fit right in here like a glove,” Holmes stated. “We spent a lot of time with him in the process leading up to this. We were very, very impressed.” Holmes also drew comparisons between Williams and current Lions defensive tackle Alim McNeill, a player the team drafted in the third round in 2021. “I don’t want to call him a mirror image, but I think he’s a lot like the guy we have now in Alim, in terms of being able to catch an edge, rush with power, have instincts, he’s got quickness, he can counter,” Holmes elaborated.
While Williams’ pass-rushing numbers might not jump off the page, Holmes emphasized the impact he sees on film. “I know his pass-rushing stats aren’t off the chart, (but) when you watch the tape you see it.” This suggests that Williams possesses the potential to develop further as a pass rusher at the professional level, and his disruptive presence in the interior can create opportunities for edge rushers.
Lions coach Dan Campbell echoed Holmes’ sentiment, noting Williams’ intelligence and understanding of the game, which shone through during their meetings at the scouting combine and team headquarters. “I remember his interview at the combine. He really blew it out of the park, knocked it out with his intelligence and how much he knew about the game,” Holmes added. Williams himself attributed his strong football IQ to countless hours spent studying game film, a testament to his dedication and work ethic.
The selection of Williams addresses a potential need for the Lions’ defensive tackle group. While they return key players like Alim McNeill and D.J. Reader, McNeill is recovering from a torn ACL suffered in December, potentially impacting his availability at the start of the season. Williams’ arrival provides immediate depth and talent to the position, and he could see significant playing time early in his career. “They definitely explained I could be a key piece of the defense, so it was definitely in the back of my mind, it was definitely a spot I could land,” Williams acknowledged.
Historically, the Lions have occasionally invested high draft capital in defensive tackles. Notable first-round selections include Alex Karras (1958), Bob Bell (1971), Herb Orvis (1972), Luther Elliss (1995), and Ndamukong Suh (2010). The addition of Williams to this list signifies the organization’s continued emphasis on building a strong and disruptive defensive line, a cornerstone of successful NFL teams.
Tyleik Williams’ journey to the NFL is a testament to his hard work and dedication. A four-star recruit out of Unity Reed High School in Manassas, Virginia, he enrolled early at Ohio State in January 2021 and quickly made an impact as a true freshman. He earned Freshman All-American honors in his debut season, recording 16 tackles and an impressive five sacks in 12 games. He continued to develop over the subsequent seasons, earning All-Big Ten recognition in each of his four years, culminating in second-team All-American honors in 2023. His decision to return for his senior season in 2024 was driven by a desire to compete for a national championship and solidify his status as a first-round NFL draft pick, both of which he achieved.
Looking ahead, Williams’ addition to the Lions’ defense has the potential to be a significant boost. His ability to defend the run will be crucial in a division known for its strong rushing attacks. Furthermore, his interior pass-rushing potential can complement the Lions’ edge rushers, creating more pressure on opposing quarterbacks. As he develops in the NFL, Williams has the tools and the mindset to become a cornerstone of the Lions’ defense for years to come. His highlights at Ohio State showcase his strength at the point of attack, his quickness to penetrate the line, and his relentless pursuit of the ball carrier. Lions fans have reason to be excited about the arrival of Tyleik Williams and the impact he can have on their team’s defense.
