The Detroit Lions added Tyleik Williams to the mix with pick No. 28, and the addition may have represented a head-scratcher to some given the way the roster is currently constructed. Many believe Detroit needs a pure pass rusher to complement Aidan Hutchinson, but it's obvious that Williams fits the defense too. Not only does he have the physical traits to be a success at the next level, but he will fit the locker room mindset.
Former Lions' offensive lineman T.J. Lang has been doing a deep dive on Williams' tape, and found that he is a smart player who follows the ball. As he points out, that will be important for Detroit's line as Alim McNeill recovers from injury.
Watched a lot of Tyleik Williams the last couple of weeks. Thing that stood out to me the most was his football IQ. Seems to always know where the play is going. A lot will be expected out of him until Alim fully recovers and then the competition between him, Reader, Levi,…
— Teej. (@TJLang70) April 25, 2025
The Lions will need to bridge the gap without McNeill early next season, and with that in mind, adding another elite defensive tackle always seemed like a sneaky draft need. With Levi Onwuzurike, Roy Lopez, Josh Paschal, Broderic Martin, D.J. Reader and Mekhi Wingo already on the roster, Detroit will have plenty of options for depth to rotate in and out as Williams grows.
Brad Holmes believes Tyleik Williams bears major resemblance to Alim McNeill up front
The comparison of Williams to McNeill was common after the selection was made. Not only was the connection made around the internet, but Holmes quickly cited his own defensive tackle when discussing his newest draft pick.
According to Holmes, Williams is a player who is able to move, shed tackles and impact multiple plays up front thanks to athleticism. Perhaps better than that, he might even be ahead of where McNeill was at this same point in time.
I do think he's got a lot of versatility in his game. Not only (does) he have the physical skill set, he's got the power and the bend and the agility. He's a very nimble athlete. He's incredibly instinctive, too. In my opinion, him and one other tackle in this class were the top two instinctive defensive tackles. I think his versatility is really going to help. He has a lot of similar traits to Allm McNeil. Almost similar body type. I think that Alim came out more nose tackle, obviously slimmed his body down, became a three-technique. I think (Williams) is kind of coming in closer to that right now.Brad Holmes on Tyleik Williams
When McNeill is healthy, having a clone of him to unleash on the opposition is a scary thought up front. The Lions can profit from having a player of Williams' stature both now and in the future.
