The Detroit Lions passed on the opportunity to draft a hometown star Thursday night, opting not to select Michigan Wolverines defensive back Will Johnson and instead choosing Ohio State defensive tackle Tyleik Williams with the 28th pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.

The Lions’ pick came as a surprise to many fans, especially since the defensive line is already viewed as one of the team’s strongest areas, with several key players set to return from injury this year.

On Friday morning, the day after the draft, Lions head coach Dan Campbell joined Fox 2 Detroit sportscaster Dan Miller for an interview and shared a firm three-word statement about the team’s draft pick.

“He really fits what we’re all about,” Campbell told Miller. “From early on, he was someone we thought checked every box we had.

“He’s a big, athletic guy—can line up at nose, three-tech, even five-tech… He’s dominant versus the run, can win with leverage, collapse the pocket,” Campbell said.

“There’s huge potential with him…He’s smart, has great instincts…We’re really pumped.”

Campbell said Williams reminds the coaching staff of standout lineman Alim McNeill, as he envisioned how the rookie could impact the front seven.

“That’s why we went with him—we think he can catch on fast and contribute right away. Then imagining what he becomes as he grows, with Mac (McNeill) returning, Reader, Lopez, Hutch (Hutchinson) healthy again, Davenport—it gets you excited,” Campbell finished, with Miller noting the energy in Campbell’s tone.