Fantasy Football Outlook – Jameson Williams to the Lions

The Detroit Lions pulled an unexpected Thursday night buy trading up to the 12th pick and selecting Jameson Williams. It was amazing from a compensation perspective because the Lions didn’t have to pay to move up to 12 as the Chicago Bears did in the 2021 NFL Draft, moving up from the 20th to the 11th pick.

The addition of Williams gives the Lions a big-time playmaker with speed to pair with Amon-Ra St. Brown. Williams is that homerun hitter. The Lions are in a rebuild and don’t need to force Williams on the field as this is more of a pick of the future.

Lions Received: Picks 12 and 46

Vikings Received: Picks 32, 34, and 66

Redraft Outlook

Looking for this year, at the time of this writing, Williams could end up on the PUP list and sit out for six or more weeks to begin the year. He would be more of a late-round flier or a waiver wire addition to consider targeting in the first few weeks of the season.

Dynasty Outlook 

Long-term, fantasy managers will overlook the torn ACL but will have a hard time with the current quarterback Jared Goff. Goff is no Matthew Stafford, and Williams is definitely no Calvin Johnson. Managers who are drafting Williams should be looking more at the 2023 season as the Detroit Lions continue to build.

Could the Lions have a chance of drafting Williams college quarterback Bryce Young next season? Possibly, but we can’t tell the future. Williams isn’t the top rookie wide receiver in this draft, but in rookie drafts, I don’t see him falling any lower than 1.05.

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