The Detroit Lions prioritized strengthening their interior run defense over adding another top-tier pass rusher opposite Aidan Hutchinson in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft.

Head coach Dan Campbell and general manager Brad Holmes used the No. 28 overall pick on Tyleik Williams, a defensive tackle from Ohio State.

Though Williams enters the league with some question marks about his ability to generate consistent pressure on the quarterback, Lions fans shouldn’t feel too discouraged about the pick.

For a team with championship aspirations like Detroit, specialists who excel in one area can make a major difference. By season’s end, Williams may be lining up next to Alim McNeill and proving that his selection was more than justified.

Williams stood out as one of the top run defenders in college football last year. His hefty 320-pound frame allows him to clog lanes and break through to make plays in space. He fits the mold of the tough, physical linemen that Campbell and Holmes have typically favored.

His growth as a pass rusher will ultimately define his pro ceiling. Without that development, he could settle into a long, steady career as a niche rotational player. But if he unlocks that part of his game, he has the tools to contend for Pro Bowl honors during his rookie deal.

Together, Williams, McNeill, and Hutchinson could anchor one of the most dominant defensive fronts in the NFC. The Lions still have moves to make on defense, and that added support could help Williams shine as a breakout star from this rookie class, solidifying Detroit’s elite status.