2022 NFL Draft: Grading the Lions’ No. 12 pick of Jameson Williams

The Detroit Lions had a few major needs heading into the 2022 NFL Draft, but they went with Jameson Williams at No. 12 overall. Was this a good move?

Let’s face it, the Detroit Lions had a lot to address in this year’s NFL draft after a disappointing season saw the organization saw another losing season in Dan Campbell’s first year.

But there is plenty of promise

Fans are hopeful with Campbell in charge and after drafting the hometown kid in Aidan Hutchinson from Michigan at No. 2 overall, they weren’t supposed to pick again until No. 32 to close the first round. However, they traded up with the Vikings to No. 12, but would they go defense or offense?

This was a shocking move and it felt like it was almost inevitable that Detroit would be the first to take a quarterback in this year’s draft after trading up but they opened some eyes by taking Jameson Williams from Alabama.

I will say this: my jaw was on the floor with this pick.

I completely expected Willis to be the pick when I heard Detroit was trading up but I was pleasantly surprised — especially as a Lions fan — when it was Williams.

Before he was injured in the College Football Playoff, I was all-in on him being the first receiver off the board in the 2022 NFL Draft but his stock took a slight hit because of the torn ACL and inability to work out for teams. But this kid is a stud.

Williams is cleared to run full speed on July 1 and he is going to be a deep threat for the Lions alongside Amon-Ra St. Brown and DJ Chark next season.

A fantastic pick for the Lions which is high-risk and high-reward.

Grade: A-