When Hutchinson went down early last season, the Lions still found ways to win, but the absence of a consistent pass rush was noticeable. Though Hutchinson can disrupt offenses on his own, pairing him with another young, dynamic lineman would elevate the defense to another level and provide long-term stability.

Thanks to solid drafting in recent years, Detroit entered the first round with flexibility. They could afford to select a high-upside player who didn’t necessarily need to contribute right away—something teams with more urgent needs couldn’t risk.

Detroit Nabs Tyleik Williams in the First Round of the 2025 NFL Draft

That’s where Tyleik Williams comes in. The Lions got lucky when the 6’3″, 335-pound defensive tackle was still on the board. While he has the size of a traditional nose tackle, he brings much more to the table. Williams combines surprising agility with the strength to control the line of scrimmage—offering both run-stopping ability and interior pass-rushing potential. With him drawing attention inside, Hutchinson may see more one-on-one matchups, boosting Detroit’s overall pass rush.

What’s more, the Lions were already a playoff contender before the pick. Their success hinges on keeping key players, like Hutchinson, healthy. Though the coaching staff saw some turnover this offseason, Dan Campbell remains at the helm, continuing to drive the strong culture that’s fueled Detroit’s rise.

Williams could step in and contribute right away, especially against the run, while developing into a true force in the middle. If everything clicks, this pick could be the final touch in Detroit’s long-awaited Super Bowl run.