Detroit Lions rookie defender Tyleik Williams is already turning heads at training camp ahead of mandatory OTAs. The former Ohio State Buckeye has drawn some joking ire from Pro Bowl pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson, and was named as one of 2025's most "under pressure" rookies ahead of the new year.
Williams has newly gotten some praise from veteran DJ Reader, a fellow tackle on the Lions' defensive line. The 30-year old who finished up his 2024 year with just three sacks is clearly excited about getting another strong defender on the line alongside him and Hutchinson, and shared as much with media ahead of partaking in training camp.
Reader told reporters that he was "just really impressed with his game" and that the "sky's the limit" as it pertains to Williams this season and beyond.
Reader's praise of Williams should excite Lions fans
Williams shared some very kind thoughts on Williams this past week, prior to the Lions' mandatory workouts which begin on May 28.
""He's a good kid. He's pretty smart, he sits beside me in meetings. Just hearing his answers, he doesn't talk very loud, but he knows the answers to the questions. So me being a vet, sitting beside him, it's always fun. It's been fun, just sitting there, watching him talk about it. But he's really, really smart. He knows the playbook really well. Can't wait to get to see him moving around and see what's going on. I watched him a little bit at Ohio State. I'm just really impressed with his game.""DJ Reader
Reader could use a bounce back season with Williams' help in 2025, as the veteran is entering his 10th year and likely to be a step slower than Williams entering the new year just because of their age difference. Williams finished up his Buckeye career with a championship, as well as with 46 tackles, eight tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks.
While Williams might not have been the top pass rusher available for the Lions when they took him off the board at 28th overall, he can still make a huge impact on the Lions' defense as a run stopper. Detroit's defense isn't only going to come from their defensive line, with their secondary being a major strength for them (when healthy).
It's always nice to see veterans open to mentoring the rookies of the team, and Reader is clearly ready to take that next step in his NFL career with Williams.
