It was difficult for Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson to conceal his enthusiasm for new wide receiver Jameson Williams. In his press conference after Thursday night’s first round, where the Lions traded up to land the Alabama speedster, Johnson raved about how Williams will positively impact the Detroit offense.
“We talked about it in the springtime (at the combine), finding somebody on the outside that will dictate coverage, and shoot, I think he checks that box 100 percent,” Johnson said energetically. “I think teams, when he gets healthy, they will realize where he is at on the field, and that’s what we’re excited about because that’s going to do nothing but open up our run game and the opportunity for all of our other skill players. This is a guy that can stretch the field deep without any, any sweat. He is electric, he’s got juice. Once he gets healthy, we’re going to have something to cook with. It’ll be fun.”
Johnson also laid out how diversely he plans to use Williams and his game-breaking speed in the offense.
“Yeah, he can, primarily on the outside, but I do know this, whenever you get speed on the inside, it does create a lot of issues for defenses,” Johnson said. “So, we’re going to move him around. We’ll take advantage of the defense however we see fit that week.”
Williams played all over the offensive formation between his time at Alabama and his previous tenure at Ohio State. With Amon-Ra St. Brown also capable of playing both inside and outside, it’s an exciting combination of versatile young talent for Johnson to work with.
