Tyleik Williams quietly under major pressure to perform early with Lions

The Detroit Lions' move to select Tyleik Williams in the first-round of the NFL draft was a shock to some, but for those who pay attention, the franchise had a need in the middle of their defense.

Not only is DJ Reader aging, but the Lions will be without star Alim McNeill early in 2025 as he recovers from injury. Other than that, the Lions have spare parts between Josh Paschal and Levi Onwuzurike who can play inside out. Neither are pure space eaters.

With this in mind, Detroit needed another solid defensive tackle and they found a potentially elite one in Williams. Interestingly enough. the rookie isn't going to have time to ease in comfortably this season.

Following the draft, Bleacher Report put together a list of rookies under the most pressure to perform immediately this season. Williams didn't make the cut, but anyone looking below the surface easily realizes he should have.

Read more: Lions rookie eager to prove he can be a top solution to pass rush problem

The Lions need Williams to be a disruptor against the run and formidable againt the pass to take pressure off McNeill's recovery. If Williams is solid, that will allow McNeill time to return at his own pace. Should Williams struggle, the pressure will mount on a defensive front that could potentially need another addition.

Detroit didn't select an edge rusher early, so the spotlight will be on Williams to show he can impact the game for a Lions team with championship aspirations. If that doesn't represent pressure, not much does.

Tyleik Williams has mindset to withstand early pressure on Detroit Lions

If Williams is under pressure entering the NFL, you'd never know it listening to him speak. Coming from a program with high expectations every season at Ohio State, he is used to high expectations and believes he has the ability to withstand what he will face in Detroit.

"(Lions veterans) welcomed me, telling me a lot of 'I got to get to work.' Definitely, it's not going to be handed to me and I'm ready for that. I'm ready for (the pressure). At Ohio State, it was kind of the same way. We're built around a great team and I think I can help in a big way. Whatever they need me to do, I'm here (and) I'm going to give it my best."

Williams is used to being counted on to perform, and providing he can soak up lessons from veterans, he could hit the ground running and give the Lions a leg-up defensively. Quietly, a lot in Detroit hinges on how Williams develops early in his career.

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