The Detroit Lions are beginning to see exactly why general manager Brad Holmes invested their 2025 first-round pick in defensive tackle Tyleik Williams.
Detroit surprised many when it selected Williams at No. 28 overall. Early in the year, the rookie needed time to acclimate to the NFL’s physical and mental demands. But as the season has progressed, he has blossomed into a disruptive force in the middle of the defensive line — and lately, he’s performing like one of the strongest interior defenders in football.
From Week 7 on, Williams has earned a 74.5 PFF defensive grade, ranking 12th among all NFL defensive tackles. Stretch that sample back to Week 5, and his 72.2 grade puts him 20th at his position, as noted by analyst Al Karsten.
His raw statistics — 15 tackles and three pass breakups — don’t jump off the page, but they also don’t tell the full story. Williams has been consistently winning leverage battles, clogging gaps, and disrupting both the run and pass. Offensive coordinators have been forced to account for the rookie more and more each week.
Williams entered the season with modest expectations, but his steady improvement has given Detroit something it needed: a young, ascending defensive lineman capable of anchoring the front during a playoff push. The Lions’ postseason hopes hinge on the defense holding its own, and that starts with control at the line of scrimmage.
So far, Williams has delivered — and he’s positioning himself as a long-term foundational piece for Detroit
Week 15 Will Be a Major Test for Williams and Detroit’s Front
The challenge ramps up in Week 15, when Detroit faces a Los Angeles Rams offense that just steamrolled their last opponent 45–17, piling up 249 rushing yards and three touchdowns. That explosive ground attack made their passing game even more dangerous.
For the Lions, the mission is straightforward: contain Blake Corum and Kyren Williams. If the Rams’ backfield breaks loose for big gains, Detroit’s chances of winning diminish quickly. Dan Campbell has openly acknowledged the difficulty of stopping two productive runners with different styles.
To keep the Rams under control, Detroit’s defensive line must win up front. That means strong outings from Alim McNeill, DJ Reader, Roy Lopez, and — crucially — another impactful performance from Tyleik Williams.
Even without flashy headlines, the rookie has been quietly excellent. His consistency is proving Brad Holmes right yet again, showing that Detroit’s front office may have struck gold with its late first-round pick.
