​Before training camp begins, I’m breaking down each of the Detroit Lions’ projected starters with an in-depth player profile series. This installment focuses on one of the NFL’s most explosive playmakers, Jameson Williams. After battling injuries early in his career, Williams has emerged as one of the league’s premier deep threats and a cornerstone of Detroit’s offense. Entering his fifth NFL season, the former first-round pick is looking to build on back-to-back 1,000-yard campaigns while continuing to form one of the NFL’s top wide receiver duos alongside Amon-Ra St. Brown.Williams’ true breakout came in 2024, when he recorded 1,001 receiving yards and seven touchdowns despite playing in just 15 games. He followed that performance with an even more productive 2025 campaign, finishing with career highs of 65 receptions and 1,117 receiving yards while matching his career best with seven touchdown catches across all 17 games.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementAfter signing a contract extension before the 2025 season, expectations for Williams were higher than ever. However, his production got off to a slow start under offensive coordinator John Morton. Through the Lions’ first seven games, Williams saw more than seven targets only twice and recorded at least three receptions in just two contests. He also had two games with fewer than 10 receiving yards, leading many fans to question whether Detroit was properly utilizing one of its most dangerous offensive weapons.Williams appeared ready for a breakout in Week 2, catching two passes for 108 yards and a touchdown in a blowout victory over the Chicago Bears. But over the next three games, he totaled just 92 receiving yards as his role in the offense remained inconsistent.Everything changed after the bye week. With head coach Dan Campbell taking over play-calling duties beginning in Week 9, Williams became a focal point of the passing attack. He caught four passes for 66 yards and a touchdown in Campbell’s first game as the primary play-caller, then followed with six receptions for 119 yards and another score the following week. He added 88 receiving yards and a touchdown in the next game, giving him touchdowns in three consecutive contests. Later in the season, Williams posted dominant performances of 144 and 134 receiving yards, both ending with touchdowns.Williams finished ninth in the NFL in receiving yards, tied for 15th in touchdown receptions and ranked fourth among qualified receivers with 17.2 yards per catch. Beyond the statistics, his growth as a complete player stood out. He played in every game, committed just one costly penalty all season and continued to build strong chemistry with quarterback Jared Goff. By year’s end, Williams looked every bit like a legitimate No. 1-caliber receiver.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementAccording to Pro Football Focus, Williams earned a 75.6 overall grade, ranking 29th among qualified wide receivers. His 76.7 receiving grade