Exploring how the Lions new defensive tackle, Tyleik Williams, fits into the current roster.
The Detroit Lions bolstered their trenches in the 2025 NFL Draft by selecting Ohio State defensive tackle Tyleik Williams. Let’s take a look at his background and traits and discuss how his addition will impact the Lions roster in 2025 and beyond.
Round 1, pick 28: Tyleik Williams, DT, Ohio State
At 6-foot-3, 334 pounds, Williams’ superpower is his ability to stuff the run, and he is almost universally regarded as the top run stuffer in this class. With quick feet (1.74-second 10-yard split) and an explosive first punch, Williams controls the line of scrimmage with his power and balance. Despite having fast feet and the quickness to catch offensive linemen off guard, Williams’ lack of impact as a pass rusher is noticeable.
When asked about his lack of statistics as a pass rusher—11.5 career sacks, with 2.5 coming in 2024—Williams explained that Ohio State’s defensive philosophy relied on him to “bull rush and contain,” which limited his opportunities to rush the passer.
Fit with the Lions
Following the selection of Williams, both general manager Brad Holmes and coach Dan Campbell noted that Williams very much reminded them of Alim McNeill when he was coming out of college—and it’s easy to see that connection.
Williams is a tick taller and a few pounds heavier than McNeill, but both were run-stuffing nose tackles who could play at the 3-technique because of their quickness. While McNeill was a more proven pass rusher coming out of college, Williams was the one who played the majority of his snaps at the 3-technique.
Both players are also highly instinctive and intelligent, something that Holmes noted that he learned about Williams during their interviews with him at the NFL Combine and when he came to Allen Park on a top-30 visit. Williams attributed those traits to him being a “film junkie” and constantly watching film of the offensive line in order to be prepared on game day.
Roster impact
With the addition of Williams, the Lions now have 10 defensive tackles under contract, but there will still be plenty of opportunities for snaps.
Williams looks like a natural nose tackle, but the Lions returned starter DJ Reader, signed Roy Lopez early in free agency, returned reserve nose tackle Pat O’Connor, and are still developing Brodric Martin at the position.
At the 3-technique, McNeill is dealing with an injury that is expected to keep him out of the initial parts of the regular season. Levi Onwuzurike looked to be in position to start in his place, but the Lions prefer to keep Onwuzurike fluid and move him around the defensive line, as he can play at all four spots. Mekhi Wingo showed some pass rushing promise as a rookie, but he’s still developing his game, while Chris Smith and Myles Adams have filled in as reserves in the past.
With Williams’ experience at the 3-technique, coupled with the injury to McNeill, it wouldn’t be surprising if Williams opens camp splitting the starter snaps with Onwuzurike, who will likely also be spending time on the edge. When McNeill returns, the Lions can swap him in with Williams, which would allow Onwuzurike to be deployed as a chess piece fully.
Look for Williams to play key snaps as a rookie and gain valuable experience, which could set him up for a full-time starting role in 2026, as several nose tackles—including Reader, Lopez, and O’Connor—are on expiring contracts that end in 2025.
