Jameson Williams Could Get First Major Playing Time Vs. Vikings
Josh Frey
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During the 2022 NFL Draft, the Minnesota Vikings made a rare interdivisional trade with the Detroit Lions to move down in the first round from the 12th overall pick to No. 32. With that 12th pick, the Lions selected Alabama wide receiver Jameson Williams.
For the first 12 weeks of the season, Williams sat on IR due to the torn ACL that he suffered during the College Football Playoff national championship game against Georgia back in January. However, the rookie receiver finally got back onto the field in Week 13 against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
It was a very limited sample size, though. Williams appeared in just eight snaps for the Lions during their 40-14 victory over Jacksonville. He totaled just one target during the game as well.
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Now, the Lions will play host to the Minnesota Vikings in Week 14, the team that ensured that Detroit would be able to draft Williams back in April. This could also be the game where Williams truly becomes part of the Lions offense in a larger capacity.
Following last Sunday’s game, Lions head coach Dan Campbell described Week 13 as a “primer” for their new wide receiver on his journey towards becoming more acclimated to the NFL level.
Assuming Williams does become a larger part of the Lions offense this weekend, the Vikings could have their hands full. Detroit already has a budding star at the position in Amon-Ra St. Brown. The 2021 third-round pick is well on his way to a 1000-yard season. Over the past two weeks, he’s recorded a total of 20 receptions, 236 receiving yards. and 3 touchdowns.
Then, coming into the 2022 Draft, Williams was considered one of, if not the most talented receiver in the class. The only thing holding him back was the injury that would inevitably keep him out for much of his rookie season. However, with him assumedly back at full health, the Vikings now have to deal with a pair of very strong receivers this Sunday.
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Josh Frey is a Class of 2020 graduate of The College of Idaho with a bachelor’s degree in Creative Writing. He also earned minors in History, Human Biology, and Journalism. When he’s not writing about the NFL, Josh enjoys marathon training, playing video games, or rooting for the Milwaukee Brewers and Bucks. For more of his opinions, check out his Twitter account: @Freyed_Chicken.