DJ Reader offers exciting review of key Lions' defensive rookie from camp

The Detroit Lions have no shortage of key defenders this season, but perhaps one of the most important figures to be rookie defensive tackle Tyleik Williams.

Drafted in the first-round, Williams is being counted on to help fill a void left by the injured Alim McNeill. While filling in for a Pro Bowl talent could be a tall order on the surface, Williams has wasted little time making a big impact in a short amount of time.

One of the toughest players to impress could be fellow defensive tackle DJ Reader. There isn't much Reader hasn't seen in the league, and he's been through his fair share of rookie players. In spite of that, he remains impressed with Williams during camp from a development standpoint.

"He's really, really smart. He always knows what to do. I always have to get on whether he does it right. So that's just a part about learning as a kid. But he doesn't whine. He doesn't cry. He doesn't feel sorry for himself. He doesn't really complain. He tries to get better, and that's all you can ask for. Somebody who's putting their best foot forward every day and really trying to get better. Not whining about it. He'll have a couple bad plays here and there. He's not dwelling on it. He's got a next page mentality and he's been doing good."

Earlier this offseason, Reader admitted to being happy with where Williams was at. To hear he hasn't taken any steps back during the dog days of training camp ahead of the season is significant. It shows he could be ready to make a fast impact for the Detroit defense, which would be fantastic news.

If Williams is ahead of schedule, that would be a significant depth advantage for a Detroit defensive line that was behind the eight ball last season. Reader's positive review is notable just ahead of the season.

DJ Reader happy to have Lions' teammates back healthy for 2025 season

While the success of Williams figures to mean a great deal to the Lions this season, the fact that the team is getting so many injured players back is even bigger. From the defensive line to the secondary, Detroit is starting the season healthier which is significant for their hopes this year.

Reader understands what that means being a veteran in the league. He is happy to see his teammates back in the fold and not to have to adjust to too many new faces, which can put a roster at a particular disadvantge.

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"It's amazing to have all the guys back doing their thing. They're all really special and it's fun
when you got your guys out there, guys who you started with. You know what they're about, they know you, so you're real comfortable with each other. I think that's the hardest part when you have injuries mid-season. You're just not comfortable with the guys. It's hard to even trust them. You just got to make sure they trust themselves and trust everybody around them. So, it's good to have everybody back."

If the Lions stay healthy, they could have a better than expected year defensively. That could be due in large part to the play of Williams.

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