These St. Louis-born cousins are primed for breakout NFL seasons

A pair of first cousins are primed to wreak havoc on opposing NFL defenses in 2025. 

Detroit Lions WR Jameson Williams, a dynamic pass catcher with game-breaking speed, and Los Angeles Rams running back Kyren Williams, a bruising rusher whose scored 26 rushing touchdowns in the last two seasons, are St. Louis-born cousins. 

Both starters were selected in the 2022 NFL Draft and are primed for breakout seasons in Year 4.

Jameson Williams, a former Alabama standout, enters 2025 as the No. 2 receiver in a Detroit offense that scored a league-high 564 points last season. The 6-foot-1 wideout finished last season with 1,001 receiving yards and seven touchdowns. 

Kyren Williams, an All-Pro in 2023, will now share the field with superstar receivers Davante Adams and Puka Nacua in Los Angeles. His 50 missed tackles forced were the eighth-most in the NFL, per Pro Football Focus. He also recorded the ninth-most broken tackles (19), proving to be equal parts bruising and elusive. 

Now, both 24-year-old St. Louis natives seem destined to break out in 2025.

Jameson Williams primed for big season in Detroit

Williams could have an expanded role with Detroit this season after registering his first 1,000-yard season in 2024.

He fits the mold of a Tyreek Hill and DeSean Jackson-caliber speed threat who seemingly possesses an extra gear than their NFL peers. In 2024, Williams had six 40+ yard receptions, the third-most in the NFL. Only Ja'Marr Chase, Brian Thomas and Alec Pierce had more. 

When watching him cruise by defenders, it's easy to see shades of former Vikings star Percy Harvin in his game. Williams is two inches taller than the 5-foot-11 Harvin, but both players move similarly (and quickly). Like Harvin, Williams is an explosive ball-carrier who can do damage in the open field.