Detriot Lions veteran’s sends a message full of praises to the American 22-year-old Tyleik Williams proves rookie is meant to be in Detroit

Tyleik Williams, a rookie defender for the Detroit Lions, is already making a splash at training camp in anticipation of the mandatory OTAs. Before the new year, the former Ohio State Buckeye was recognised as one of the most “under pressure” rookies in 2025 and has elicited some joking ire from Pro Bowl pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson.

DJ Reader, a seasoned tackle on the Lions’ defensive line, has recently expressed his admiration for Williams. The 30-year-old, who concluded his 2024 season with only three sacks, is evidently enthusiastic about the prospect of joining Hutchinson and another formidable defender on the defensive line. He expressed this sentiment to the media prior to participating in training camp.

Reader expressed to reporters that he was “extremely impressed” with Williams’s performance and that the “sky’s the limit” in terms of his potential for this season and beyond.

The reader’s endorsement of Williams should be a source of excitement for Lions supporters.

Prior to the Lions’ mandatory exercises commencing on May 28, Williams expressed some extremely complimentary sentiments regarding him this past week.

“He is a well-behaved child.” He is quite intelligent; he occupies the same seat as me during meetings. He does not speak at a high volume, but he is aware of the responses to the queries. So it is always enjoyable for me to sit beside him, as a veterinarian. It has been enjoyable to observe him discuss the matter. However, he is exceedingly intelligent. He has a great understanding of the playbook. I am eager to observe him in action and to observe the events that are unfolding. I observed him briefly at Ohio State. I am genuinely astounded by his performance. ”

Reader could benefit from Williams’ assistance in 2025, as the veteran is approaching his tenth season and is likely to be a step behind Williams at the start of the new year due to their age disparity. Williams concluded his Buckeye career with a championship, 46 tackles, eight tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks.

Williams may not have been the most elite pass rusher available to the Lions when they dropped him at the 28th overall pick; however, he can still significantly contribute to the Lions’ defence as a run deterrent. Detroit’s defence will not be solely reliant on their defensive line; their secondary is a significant asset (when in good health).

It is always a pleasure to observe veterans who are willing to provide guidance to the team’s newcomers, and Reader is evidently prepared to advance in his NFL career with Williams.