ALLEN PARK — Defensive tackle Tyleik Williams’ versatility and knowledge of the game made him the perfect target for the Lions with the 28th overall pick in the NFL draft on Thursday night.
The 6-foot-3, 334-pound Williams, who played at Ohio State, started 13 games for the 2024 national champions with 46 tackles, eight tackles for loss and 2 1/2 sacks.
“We’ve been watching him for a really long time, he’s played a lot of football there at a very consistent level,’’ Lions GM Brad Holmes said. “He has a lot of traits and qualities that we’re looking for. He’s going to fit right in here like a glove. We spent a lot of time with him in the process leading up to this we were very very impressed.’’
Williams joins a defensive tackle group that includes Alim McNeill, DJ Reader, Levi Onwuzurike, Roy Lopez, Mekhi Wingo and Pat O’Connor. McNeill might not be available to start the season after tearing his ACL in December. His possible absence could provide an opening for Williams to see immediate playing time.
“They definitely explained I could be a key piece of the defense, so it was definitely in the back of my mind it was definitely a spot I could land,’’ Williams said on a conference call.
Holmes said Willilams reminds him of McNeill who he drafted in the third round in 2021.
“I don’t want to call him a mirror image, but I think he’s a lot like the guy we have now in Alim, in terms of being able to catch an edge, rush with power, have instincts, he’s got quickness, he can counter,’’ Holmes said. “I know his pass rushing stats aren’t off the chart when you watch the tape you see it.’’
The Lions have one pick in Round 2 (60th), one in Round 3 (102nd), one in Round 4 (130th), one in Round 6 (196th) and two in Round 7 (228th and 244th).
(The NFL draft’s second and third rounds are set for Friday at 7 p.m. Rounds 4-7 will start at noon on Saturday.)
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