The Detroit Lions liked Jameson Williams enough to trade up 20 spots in the first round of the 2022 NFL draft to make sure they got him, even though they’ll need some patience when it comes to getting him back to full strength.
The former Alabama wide receiver suffered a torn ACL in the national title game back in January, and the Lions aren’t expecting him back anytime soon.
Lions head coach Dan Campbell told the media this week that he doesn’t expect Williams to be ready for training camp, per Jeff Risdon of Lions Wire.
That was likely the expectation with the Lions drafted Williams, but that didn’t stop them from trading up to No. 12 overall from the No. 32 spot to secure him. The long-term payoff of Williams’ rare explosiveness and big-play ability could end up making him a bargain, even as a top-15 pick.