By Blessing 
Lions Lock In First-Rounder Tyleik Williams with Rookie Deal
The Detroit Lions continued checking boxes from their 2025 draft to-do list by officially signing their biggest investment—literally and financially. First-round pick Tyleik Williams, a massive presence at defensive tackle, has agreed to terms on his rookie contract, making him the sixth member of the team’s seven-player draft class to sign.
Williams arrives in Detroit after a four-year run at Ohio State, where he developed from an impressive rotational piece into a reliable force on the defensive line. He played in 51 games as a Buckeye, initially grabbing attention as a freshman when he racked up five sacks, 6.5 tackles for loss, and a forced fumble despite not starting. His production dipped during his second season, but he rebounded strongly in his junior and senior years as a full-time starter. Over that stretch, he notched 5.5 sacks, 18 tackles for loss, and broke up six passes—showcasing his ability to not only stop the run but also disrupt passing lanes.
Standing 6-foot-3 and tipping the scales at 330 pounds, Williams brings a unique combination of size, intelligence, and power to the Lions’ defensive front. His ability to read plays pre-snap and use his frame to collapse running lanes could make him a nightmare for opposing offenses, especially when he’s dialed in.
Detroit was widely expected to target defensive line help in this year’s draft, largely due to lingering injury concerns up front. While many anticipated a focus on edge rushers, the Lions opted for muscle in the middle. That may have come as a surprise to some, given that veterans like D.J. Reader and Alim McNeill are both returning, and Levi Onwuzurike was recently re-signed to a one-year deal.
Given that depth, Williams may not be thrust into a starting role right away. But make no mistake—Detroit didn’t draft him in the first round just to sit. He’s clearly part of the franchise’s long-term plans, and the coaching staff will be looking for ways to work him into the rotation early and often.
With Williams now under contract, the only member of Detroit’s 2025 draft class yet to sign is second-round guard Tate Ratledge out of Georgia. Here’s a look at how the rest of the Lions’ draft class is shaping up:
- Round 1, No. 28: Tyleik Williams, DT, Ohio State (signed)
- Round 2, No. 57: Tate Ratledge, G, Georgia
- Round 3, No. 70: Isaac TeSlaa, WR, Arkansas (signed)
- Round 5, No. 171: Miles Frazier, G, LSU (signed)
- Round 6, No. 196: Ahmed Hassanein, OLB, Boise State (signed)
- Round 7, No. 230: Dan Jackson, S, Georgia (signed)
- Round 7, No. 244: Dominic Lovett, WR, Georgia (signed)
The Lions’ front office is clearly working with a plan—and with Williams officially in the fold, they’ve taken one big step closer to seeing it through.