Tyleik Williams Reveals Significant Change Ahead of Second Season

Detroit Lions defensive tackle Tyleik Williams is set for a big role in his second season, and appears to have made a massive change to prepare for it.

After playing rotational snaps as a rookie, Williams is considered a favorite to fill the opening left by the departures of veteran defensive tackles Roy Lopez and DJ Reader in free agency. In anticipation of the bump in snaps, Williams appears to have dedicated his offseason to getting into elite shape.

On social media Monday, Williams posted that he has lost 50 pounds over the last five months. This transformation resembles that of another Lions defensive lineman in Alim McNeill, who dropped weight ahead of what was a breakout season.

During his media availability in offseason workouts, Williams had told reporters that he planned on dropping weight as one of his goals for the upcoming season. He seems to have accomplished it, and the Lions could reap the benefits as a result.

Drafted in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, Williams was billed as a run-stuffing defensive tackle who had some pass-rush upside despite limited production in that area while at Ohio State. By becoming more athletic, Williams can take a big stride in that department much like McNeill did when he posted five sacks in 2023 after making the changes to his physique.