Lions’ Draft Strategy Unveiled: Sheppard Had Eyes on Tyleik Williams From the Start

The Detroit Lions beefed up their defensive line in the 2025 NFL Draft, and new defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard couldn’t be more thrilled. With the 28th overall pick, the team selected Tyleik Williams, a dominant and athletic defensive lineman from Ohio State. Known for his disruptive play in the trenches, Williams offers versatility by being able to line up at both nose tackle and three-technique, bringing more adaptability to a defense shifting under Sheppard’s guidance.

Though Williams’ game film impressed scouts league-wide, Sheppard highlighted that what set him apart was more than just on-field performance—it was his character.

“The tape shows you he’s a great player,” Sheppard told Lions OnSI. “But the front office, including Brad Holmes, dug deeper. Here in Detroit, we don’t just scout football ability—we look for players who embody the Lion mentality.”

Sheppard stressed the significance of mindset, culture fit, and coachability. Williams stood out in every area. When he visited the Lions facility ahead of the draft, Sheppard made his feelings known.

“I told him straight up when he was here: ‘You’re the guy I want,’” Sheppard said. “I couldn’t guarantee anything, but I just knew he belonged here.”

Williams enters a defensive line group already featuring veteran D.J. Reader and rising talent Brodric Martin. His blend of speed, power, and rare athleticism for his size gives Sheppard flexibility in how he deploys the interior front—and, according to Sheppard, “a chance to tap into something really unique.”

Sheppard believes Williams brings the perfect mix of toughness and humility to fit seamlessly into Dan Campbell’s locker room culture.

“They’ve got that fire,” he said. “But they’re also real, down-to-earth people. Tyleik was born to wear the Honolulu Blue.”