By Blessing 
For many NFL rookies, the classic “welcome to the league” moment usually comes courtesy of a seasoned vet. But for Lions first-round rookie defensive tackle Tyleik Williams, that moment came from someone in his own draft class — fellow rookie Tate Ratledge.
During a recent practice, Ratledge — Detroit’s second-round pick — delivered a wake-up call.
“I mean, it was a long drive. He just came off the ball and he hit me,” Williams told reporters with a smile. “Iron sharpens iron, so I’m going to have my good plays, and he’s going to have his good plays. He got me today, for sure.”
That moment wasn’t just a physical battle — it’s part of a larger adjustment for Williams as he transitions into the demanding lifestyle of the NFL. Everything’s more intense: longer practices, deeper playbooks, and a stronger emphasis on body maintenance. Hydration, recovery, and sleep have all become just as important as the playbook itself.
“You definitely go to work on your own,” Williams admitted. “You got to. They don’t tell you that you gotta be at meetings, you got to look up stuff, your workouts and all that. You’re always by yourself, so you got to get that work in by yourself. And if you don’t, then you’re going to fall behind.”
Tuesday marked the team’s last practice before heading to Canton for the Hall of Fame Game against the Chargers. Head coach Dan Campbell announced that neither Williams nor Ratledge would play in that game, instead making their official NFL debut on August 8 against the Falcons.
When Williams found out about that plan after practice, it genuinely caught him off guard.
“Oh, I didn’t even know that,” he said. “But I mean, it’s another opportunity for the guys on the team to get better. I didn’t know I wasn’t playing, but of course I want to play (and) help the team.”
While Williams won’t be suiting up just yet, he’s using this time to soak in everything he can from the veterans around him — especially D.J. Reader, who’s become a mentor of sorts.
“I love D.J. Like I said, he’s my big brother,” Williams said. “I ask him for any advice, for any play, anything. We’re out there talking to each other every play, so it’s definitely a big help.”
Reader has been impressed with what he’s seen so far.
“He’s really, really smart,” Reader shared back in May. “He picks up the playbook really well. Can’t wait to get to see him moving around and just see what’s going on. I watched him a little bit at Ohio State. We was just really impressed with his game.”
Williams may not have played a down yet, but he’s already proving he belongs.