Former Alabama wideout already a leader ahead of year 4 in the NFL

After two years of being overlooked by the Ohio State Buckeyes, wide receiver Jameson Williams transferred to the Alabama Crimson Tide to play for head coach Nick Saban. After one year in Tuscaloosa, he had transformed into a first-round draft pick.

The Detroit Lions selected Williams 12th overall in the 202 NFL Draft, and since then, he has already amassed 1,396 receiving yards for 10 touchdowns, alongside 130 rushing yards for two more touchdowns on the ground.

Now, with Year 4 on the horizon, Detroit head coach Dan Campbell has had high praise for the former Crimson Tide wideout.

"[Williams] is leading the young guys now," Campbell said on the NFL Network's Back Together Weekend. "His route development is so much better."

Don't get it wrong, Williams was always an elite receiver. During his singular season with Alabama, he earned an astonishing 1,572 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns. Not to mention, in the Lions' 2023 postseason run, he earned 121 all-purpose yards and two touchdowns.

Was Jameson Williams bad during his rookie season?

However, over the last three seasons with the Tigers, Williams was green. He played in just six games during his rookie season and only caught one pass out of nine targets. While he brought that singular reception to the end zone, his first year in the league left fans wanting more.

With how Campbell is talking about the young wideout, it sounds like those fans might be getting exactly what they've been wanting.

Every year Williams has been in the league, he has drastically improved his stats. From 41 receiving yards in his rookie season to 354 yards in his second year and 1,001 yards during the 2024 season, Williams has clearly put in the work necessary to excel at the professional level.

The Lions kick off their 2025 campaign with a rivalry matchup against the Green Bay Packers; a perfect opportunity for Williams to show just how talented he is.