Tyleik Williams given crystal clear instructions from Lions DC ahead of Packers game

Tyleik Williams is being thrust into the starting lineup for the Detroit Lions after the team used their first round selection on the defensive tackle out of The Ohio State University. Williams has huge shoes to fill as a rookie, as he comes in while Alim McNeill and Levi Onwuzurike are on the mend.

Mekhi Wingo, who returned from injury this offseason, will also be around to fill in if Williams has some growing pains.

However, based on recent comments from defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard, it sure sounds like the pressure is on Williams to perform admirably as a starting defensive lineman against the Green Bay Packers in Week 1 in a key divisional opener.

"I'm expecting to see a violent, physical big man, strike and knock people back. We know his playmaking ability, but I just keep reminding him, 'D-tackles don't necessarily make plays that show up on the stat sheet,' and you have to remind him of that. Cause he was a dominant player at Ohio State, and he's used to racking up stats on the stat sheet...if you play on our defensive line, we expect you to knock people back violently, to be able to sit down against double teams, hold in there thick and firm, and he showed that all of camp. I'm very excited for that player and to see him out there in Lambeau."

Williams has to be huge factor vs. Packers

The rookie defensive tackle didn't take many snaps in the preseason, much like Tate Ratledge. However, in the brief moments we got a glimpse at his work in camp and the preseason, he looked like the real deal for this Lions defensive line.

READ MORE: The Lions' biggest return from injury that no one is talking about

His strength and brute power are going to be huge for Detroit's perceived hole at the pass rush, and he's already known for some great run stopping capabilities from his time with the Buckeyes. Green Bay is a run-first offense, so Williams is going to get a good idea of how he'll be utilized by Sheppard and the Lions' defense pretty early on.

With the lingering injury news regarding Jayden Reed still having no solid resolution as of the Thursday prior to Week 1, it feels like a safe bet to assume the team will be relying on Josh Jacobs to get yardage against tight coverage from the Lions' secondary. Enter Williams, ready to prove why the Lions took him with their first rounder.