Lions draft defensive lineman Tyleik Williams
He now joins a Lions defensive tackle rotation that includes McNeill, DJ Reader, Levi Onwuzurike, Roy Lopez, Mekhi Wingo, Pat O’Connor and others. McNeill, who suffered a torn ACL in mid-December, might not be ready for the start of the season, so Williams gives Detroit an active interior defender who is a terrific power rusher with a similar skillset to McNeill.
Where Williams really has a chance to shine early on for the Lions is on first and second down as a run defender, though he said his pass rush is a little undervalued because of the scheme he played at Ohio State. He’s got nimble feet for a player his size and 46 tackles as a DT last season means he’s always around the ball. He’s got a chance to be a very good inside presence for Detroit’s defense in 2025 and beyond.
Williams was a running back growing up and said he was always the biggest and fastest player on the field until he grew into a defensive tackle body. He never lost those quick running back feet and that certainly shows up on tape along with terrific speed for a man
In the 2025 NFL Draft, the Detroit Lions selected Ohio State defensive tackle Tyleik Williams with the 28th overall pick. Standing 6’3″ and weighing 327 pounds, Williams is recognized for his formidable strength and versatility along the defensive line. During his tenure at Ohio State, he earned second-team All-Big Ten honors in 2023 and third-team recognition in 2024, contributing to the Buckeyes’ 2024 College Football Playoff national championship. ​
Williams is lauded for his explosive first step, heavy hands, and upper body strength, which enable him to shed blockers effectively in both single-gap and two-gap schemes. His ability to execute stunts and move laterally through run lanes adds to his defensive prowess. However, concerns include inconsistent footwork, pad level, and hand usage, which may impact his effectiveness against double teams and in pass-rushing situations. ​
The Lions’ selection of Williams reflects their strategy to bolster their interior defensive line, complementing Alim McNeill as he recovers from an ACL injury. While some analysts question the value of the pick, given Williams’ ranking as the 41st overall prospect, his potential to contribute immediately and fit within Detroit’s defensive scheme is evident. ​
