Jameson Williams had a tough first two seasons in the league due to an ACL injury in college and a suspension for g*******. However, he has now become a dependable WR2 for the Lions. Now, a play of his during training camp was compared to Hall of Famer Calvin Johnson.

“Williams had two guys on him, both Rakestraw and Chuck Clark, and they were covering him tight downfield,” wrote Lions beat writer Mike Payton. “Jared Goff threw a 40-yard bomb, and somehow Williams came up with a contested catch that looked like a Calvin Johnson type of play.”

Payton, who was reviewing the Lions’ first day of training camp, called it the "play of the day."

"If Detroit can continue to develop that part of his game, it’s going to be huge for this offense," wrote Lions beat writer Mike Payton of A to Z Sports.

In the last two seasons, Williams has proved himself to be one of the best vertical threats in the league. He has had two straight seasons now with over 1,000 receiving yards and has recorded seven receiving touchdowns in each season.

What’s even more impressive about Williams’ stats is the fact that he can put up these numbers despite being targeted much less often. In the last two seasons, Williams has been targeted 193 times, while Amon-Ra St. Brown has been targeted 313 times.

If he continues to develop, we could see Williams become one of the best receivers in the league.

However, to take that next step, an NFL analyst points out one key area where Williams must improve.

Former NFL star and current NFL analyst points out where Williams has to improve

There is no doubt that Williams is currently one of the best secondary wide receiver options in the league. However, the difference between him and his teammate Amon-Ra St. Brown, one of the best wide receivers in the league, is still pretty big. 

A reason for that is his route-running, said former NFL wide receiver and current NFL Network analyst Steve Smith Sr. while on the 89 with Steve Smith and James Palmer YouTube show.

“[Jameson] showed when (Amon-Ra) St. Brown went out that he is a hell of a football player,” said Smith. “But he is not a refined, pure, excellent route runner unless you take half of the route tree away from him. He is a true No.1 with a limited route tree.”

Smith also talked about whether the duo of Williams and St. Brown was top five in the league, which he did not agree with.

During the discussion, he also compared Williams to Tee Higgins, the WR2 option of the Cincinnati Bengals, and chose Higgins over Williams.

While Higgins is considered one of the best wide receivers in the league, the stats might suggest otherwise.

Last season, Higgins recorded 846 yards to Williams’ 1,117 yards. However, Higgins scored more touchdowns with 11 and on fewer catches with 59 compared to Williams’ 65.

Still, Williams is only 25 years old while Higgins is 27 years old. Williams, with the progress he has shown over the last two seasons, has every opportunity to become even better than Higgins.

For that, Williams will still have to improve his route running, as mentioned by Smith.

What are your thoughts on Williams, and is there any other aspect you think he has to improve on? Let us know in the comments! 

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Written by

Dhruv Vishnu Nair

Edited by

Shubhi Rathore