The Lions Finally Get to See Their Gift from the Vikings in Action

Josh Frey |

Dec 4, 2022

Lions receiver Jameson Williams play catch with quarterback Jared Goff after practice during minicamp on Thursday, June 9, 2022, in Allen Park. Lions

During the 2022 NFL Draft, the Minnesota Vikings traded the No. 12 overall pick as well as No. 46 to the Detroit Lions in exchange for Nos. 32, 34, and 66. With that 12th overall pick, the Lions proceeded to take Alabama star wide receiver Jameson Williams.

And now, after months of anticipation, Williams is set to make his NFL debut this Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars. This long wait prior to his first NFL game was caused by his torn ACL suffered in last year’s College Football Playoff national championship game.

Sources: the Lions are activating first-round pick Jameson Williams, the former Alabama standout WR who tore his ACL during last season’s national championship game. Williams is available to make his NFL debut Sunday vs. the Jaguars. The good day in Detroit continues.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 3, 2022

If Williams hadn’t suffered that injury, he likely would have been considered the WR1 of the 2022 NFL Draft class. After transferring from Ohio State following the 2020 college football season, he ultimately landed at Alabama in 2021.

During that one season with the Crimson Tide, Williams recorded 79 receptions, 1572 yards, and 15 TDs. Those 1572 ranked fifth in all of the NCAA that season.

For the Lions, their hopes for the playoffs in 2022 are probably over after a 4-7 start. In fact, the Minnesota Vikings can clinch the NFC North with a win on Sunday and a Lions loss to the Jaguars.

However, the addition of Williams makes an offense that has consistently ranked among the top 10 in scoring this season even more dangerous. Pairing him with Amon-Ra St. Brown creates a wide receiver duo that could be among the best in the league in a short year or two.

The Vikings will soon get a taste of the monster they’ve helped create as well. They travel to Detroit in Week 14 to take on the Lions. If Week 13 ends in a Vikings loss or a Lions win, that could be the game that ultimately decides the NFC North.

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Josh Frey is a Class of 2020 graduate of The College of Idaho with a bachelor’s degree in Creative Writing. He also earned minors in History, Human Biology, and Journalism. When he’s not writing about the NFL, Josh enjoys marathon training, playing video games, or rooting for the Milwaukee Brewers and Bucks. For more of his opinions, check out his Twitter account: @Freyed_Chicken.