With the 12th overall pick of the 2022 NFL Draft, the Detroit Lions selected Alabama WR Jameson Williams. What will Williams’s rookie contract look like, and where does he project into the Lions’ current depth chart?
Jameson Williams drafted 12th overall by Detroit Lions
Williams led the SEC with 15 receiving touchdowns, earning him first-team All-SEC and All American selections. He was also a Biletnikoff Award finalist in 2021. Williams becomes the third wide receiver out of Alabama selected in the first round in consecutive drafts in the common draft era. Only Tennessee had achieved that feat previously (1982-84).
Williams’s projected rookie contract
Because Williams was the 12th overall selection in the 2022 NFL Draft, this is what his projected rookie contract should look like. Contract numbers are from Over the Cap.
- Total Value: $43.3 million
- Signing Bonus: $28.7 million
- 2022 Base Salary: $705,000
- 2022 Cap Number: $7.9 million
Williams’s strengths and areas to improve
Here is a snapshot of what the Lions will be getting with the selection of Williams. For further information, check out Williams’ full scouting report.
Strengths
- Smooth and fluid, quickly gets into breaks, and stays low on exit
- Tracks the ball in the air, easily adjusts to errant throws, and makes receptions in stride
- Immediately gets to top speed, displays good route discipline, and works to make himself an available target
Areas for improvement
- Occasionally secures the ball against his frame, which leads to drops
- ACL tear in national championship may limit rookie production
- Williams rounds his breaks on occasion and can use his traits more expansively at times
How does Williams project in the Lions’ depth chart?
The Lions followed the New Orleans Saints in the move up for a wide receiver, which could be part of the avalanche that began with Christian Kirk’s monster free agent contract. Williams is the fastest of the top receivers, and he also possesses good length in his 6-foot-2 frame.
But Williams also has legitimate WR1 upside. He has the feet to stop on a dime and separate. The ACL tear will not be a problem long-term, and Williams will join Amon-Ra St. Brown and DJ Chark. Chark is on a one-year deal, so he doesn’t stop Williams’ progress. St. Brown had a great rookie season, but his ceiling is most likely as a high-end WR2.
When do the Lions pick next in the 2022 NFL Draft?
As of the time they drafted Williams, the Lions have these remaining picks in the 2022 NFL Draft.
- Round 2 (Pick 46)
- Round 3 (Pick 97*)
- Round 5 (Pick 177*)
- Round 6 (Pick 181)
- Round 6 (Pick 217*)
- Round 7 (Pick 234 from Cleveland)
For the full results and upcoming draft order, check out our pick-by-pick tracker for the 2022 NFL Draft.