Latest Transfer News: Detroit Lions officially sign the 22-year-old defensive lineman to the team, it’s a done deal

The Detroit Lions are currently under contract for their first-round draft selection.

According to the team’s social media, Tyleik Williams, the No. 28 pick in this year’s NFL selection, executed his slotted four-year contract on Wednesday, May 21. According to OverTheCap.com, the signing bonus is $8.625 million, and the deal is entirely guaranteed, with a value of $16.48 million.

Williams is anticipated to play a significant role this autumn on the Lions defensive line, which experienced significant injury issues during the previous season.

Last season, Aidan Hutchinson, Marcus Davenport, Alim McNeill, Mekhi Wingo, and Kyle Peko were all placed on injured reserve. McNeill is anticipated to miss the beginning of this season as he recovers from a torn ACL.

Brad Holmes, the general manager of the Detroit Lions, compared Williams to McNeill after he declined trade offers to exit the No. 28 pick. One of the trade offers was from the Philadelphia Eagles, the Super Bowl champions, at No. 32.

Holmes stated that Williams, who was a key component of Ohio State’s national championship-winning defence and one of the best run defenders in college football last season, “possesses a number of the traits and qualities that we are seeking, and he will seamlessly integrate into our team.”

Holmes stated, “He is a commendable child.” “His demeanour is relatively mild.” He is not particularly verbose. He is primarily concerned with his business, but he seamlessly integrates into the community, not only due to his physical attributes but also because he will adhere to the other standards that are established here.

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Williams contributed eight tackles for loss in 13 games for the Buckeyes last season and displayed some of his most impressive play during the postseason. He will be a part of a defensive tackle rotation in Detroit that is expected to include Levi Onwuzurike, Roy Lopez, and D.J. Reader until McNeill returns.

Williams stated at his introductory news conference following the draft, “I simply wish to enter and acquire knowledge.” “To learn from the older players, the veterans, is the sole objective I have in mind. I am hoping that this will enable me to succeed and remain in the league for as long as he did.”

In this year’s draft, the Lions selected seven players: Williams in Round 1, Georgia guard Tate Ratledge in Round 2, Arkansas receiver Isaac TeSlaa in Round 3, LSU guard Miles Frazier in Round 5, Boise State edge rusher Ahmed Hassanein in Round 6, and Georgia safety Dan Jackson and Georgia receiver Dominic Lovett in Round 7.

Frazier, Hassanein, Jackson, and Lovett were all inked prior to the commencement of rookie minicamp in May. The Lions’ sole uncommitted draft pick in this year’s class is Ratledge, as TeSlaa signed his contract earlier this week.