Moments after being drafted 28th overall by Detroit in the 2024 NFL Draft, Williams was speaking to local reporters via video chat when a call from his agent came through. Trying to answer it, he accidentally ended the press conference call instead.
“It was my agent calling, and I got confused,” Williams said, laughing. “I meant to hold the call, but I hit the wrong button and ended this one instead.”
With energy and a huge smile, Williams stepped away from his draft party to speak on the whirlwind of emotions that came with hearing his name called. The 6-foot-3 defensive tackle said he wasn’t surprised it was Detroit, admitting he had a strong feeling the Lions might be the team.
“My conversations with them were great, and they told me I could be an important piece for their defense,” Williams said. “So yeah, it was definitely a possibility in my mind. Right now, I’m just overwhelmed — happy, emotional, my whole family’s here. It’s surreal.”
He enters a crowded defensive tackle group in Detroit that already includes names like Alim McNeill, D.J. Reader, and Levi Onwuzurike, among others — bringing the total to ten interior linemen.
Earlier, Lions GM Brad Holmes told reporters that Williams stood out for his football smarts and his fit within the team’s defensive system. Williams attributes his IQ to his constant film study.
“I’m obsessed with film,” he said. “I’m always breaking things down, trying to find any edge I can. I catch onto what offensive lines do, and I think I help the defense get in the right position with that information.”
He continued, “Knowing what’s coming gives you an edge. I take pride in being the guy who helps the front be more prepared.”
Williams first met head coach Dan Campbell and defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard during the NFL Combine. What stuck with him wasn’t just the football side of things — it was how much they wanted to get to know him as a person.
One topic that came up was lining up next to Alim McNeill — a vision that inspired Williams to start watching McNeill’s game tape.
“He’s a baller,” Williams said. “I’ve got nothing bad to say — he’s a great player. I think the two of us together can really do some damage and create plays.”
Williams’ strength against the run stood out during his college years at Ohio State. Per Pro Football Focus, he posted an impressive 88.6 run-defense grade and had a run-stop rate of 7.8%.
His pass-rush numbers didn’t jump off the page, though — PFF gave him a 59.8 overall in that department, with a 62.7 on true pass-rushing snaps. But Williams says the scheme at Ohio State limited his ability to show what he could really do.
“We ran a lot of bull-rush, contain-type stuff,” he explained. “You don’t see much pass-rush flash in that setup. But I know I can rush the passer. I still have work to do, but I’m confident in what I bring.”
Williams added that he’s focused on development, not the doubters.
“I’m not worried about people’s opinions. I know what I’m capable of, and I’m ready to go earn it,” he said. “I’m going to put in the work and become a three-down guy. That’s what I’m here to do.”
