By Sunday 
If there was ever a moment for the Detroit Lions to look in the mirror and rethink their defensive identity, it’s right now. Clinging to hope outside the NFC playoff picture, Detroit desperately needs spark, momentum, and—let’s be honest—someone who refuses to be ignored.
Enter Tyleik Williams, the rookie who has gone from slow-burn project to full-blown problem for opposing offensive lines. And suddenly, the Lions have “no choice” but to get him on the field.
A Rookie Who Refused to Stay Quiet
The first half of Williams’ season was uneven at best, and the Lions weren’t quite sure whether to fast-track his development or stash him behind vets like Roy Lopez. But something clicked around Week 5, and since then, Williams has been on a mission.
According to Pride of Detroit’s Al Karsten, the rookie has posted a 66.9 defensive grade since Week 5, ranking:
- 34th among 119 qualifying tackles,
- 2nd among rookie defensive tackles, and
- 5th among all DTs in their first two seasons.
Not bad for a guy Detroit almost kept “developing behind the veterans.”
His week-by-week growth is even clearer. Pressure numbers? Climbing. Tackle counts? Rising. Disruption? Consistent. Against Philadelphia in Week 11, he notched multiple pressures and four tackles, one of his most complete outings yet.
Pass-Rush Upside Detroit Can’t Ignore
What’s really pushing Williams into the spotlight is his pass-rush growth.
He’s posted a 10.1% pass-rush win rate, beating out Mason Graham—the No. 5 overall pick this year. And he has logged multiple quarterback pressures in three recent games, including Detroit’s tough loss to the Eagles.
This isn’t a rookie flashing here and there. This is a rookie climbing with purpose.
Why the Lions Suddenly Need Him
Detroit’s interior defensive line depth has been shaky all year. Injuries to Alim McNeill and Levi Onwuzurike forced the Lions into uncomfortable rotations. And while McNeill is fighting his way back, his current numbers aren’t encouraging: just a 47.4 overall grade and 47.5 run defense grade.
Williams, meanwhile, is closing in on DJ Reader for the second-highest grade among Detroit interior defenders.
That’s not just improvement…
That’s opportunity.
A Defense on the Rise?
First-year defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard has already helped Detroit’s defense take meaningful steps forward. But giving Williams a larger role could be the move that pushes this unit from “solid” to legitimately dangerous.
If Detroit embraces the rookie’s rise, the Lions could stabilize their defensive middle, crank up their pass rush, and claw back into the NFC playoff hunt.
Because right now, Tyleik Williams isn’t just playing well.
He’s changing the conversation.