By Sunday 
Dan Campbell likes what he sees—even before the rookie takes a real snap.
Let’s get one thing straight: if you’re a rookie defensive tackle drafted in the first round, expectations are already sky high. But if you’re Tyleik Williams, you’re not just meeting expectations—you’re quietly smashing them.
And here’s the twist: he hasn’t even played yet.
The Unseen Grind
Williams, a run-stuffing machine from Ohio State, arrived in Detroit nursing some lower-body injuries after a championship run. Most rookies in his shoes would disappear into the background—rehab quietly, keep their heads down, and wait for training camp.
Not Tyleik.
Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell—a man not known for handing out compliments like candy—has taken notice.
“He is smart. He can get lined up. I know he’s been grinding in the rehab, the training, so that’s good,” Campbell told reporters.
That’s not fluff. That’s Dan Campbell essentially saying, “This guy gets it.”
Earning Respect Before Snaps
Williams hasn’t had the reps. He hasn’t even put on full pads in a pro game yet. But he’s made enough of an impression on the Lions’ top brass and coaching staff that they’re already counting on him.
And it’s not just about what he brings when healthy—which, for the record, includes 136 tackles, 11.5 sacks, and 10 pass deflections over his collegiate career. It’s about how he carries himself while waiting to get back on the field.
In the NFL, that matters.
Depth with Purpose
With Alim McNeill rehabbing a torn ACL, the Lions needed help on the interior. Drafting Williams wasn’t just a talent grab—it was insurance, foresight, and smart roster building.
Add in Aidan Hutchinson returning as the team’s edge anchor, and you can see how Williams fits in. He might not be a pure pass-rusher, but as a disruptive, run-stuffing presence who eats space and frees others to work, he’s going to be crucial.
The Vibes Are Good
According to ESPN’s Eric Woodyard, Williams has “felt great vibes from the team.” Translation: he’s already fitting into the culture Detroit is building—a culture Campbell has fought hard to establish.
And if there’s one thing we’ve learned about these new-look Lions, it’s this: guys who buy in early, grind through the hard stuff, and stay ready tend to thrive in the long run.
So don’t be surprised if, come Week 6 or 7, you hear Williams’ name a lot more—and not just from Dan Campbell’s pressers.