It’s reasonable to describe 2024 as a breakout year for Detroit Lions’ first-round selection Jameson Williams. Following an extensive recovery from a torn ACL, some initial difficulties on the field, and two setbacks due to suspensions, Williams had to demonstrate his value and succeeded. Williams achieved 1,001 yards in the regular season, demonstrating his potential as a significant big-play threat. His 17.3 yards per reception placed him second in the NFL, just behind Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce.
However, the word emerging from Detroit, as Williams enters his fourth NFL season, is:
You haven’t witnessed anything yet.
John Morton, the new offensive coordinator for the Lions, was with Detroit in 2022 when Williams joined as a first-round selection. He didn’t have the chance to witness much of Williams playing, since the majority of the receiver’s time was dedicated to rehabilitation. What was his initial reaction when he saw Williams for the first time in 2025?
Incredible. “Simply astounding,” Morton remarked. “When I initially arrived, he dropped by to meet with me, we spoke, and I’m illustrating the scenario, ‘This is what wait to see him this year.”
Williams not only has a new coordinator, but he also has a new position coach. Scottie Montgomery spent the previous year coaching the Lions’ running backs, so he’s familiar with Williams as he takes on the role of wide receivers coach now. Though they’ve only collaborated for a few months, Montgomery has already been highly impressed by Williams’ commitment to the art.
“He was present when I returned, which matters a lot to me,” Montgomery stated. “When I returned from the couple-week break we took, Jamo was already here, correct?” During the offseason, I didn’t need to contact him. As soon as I obtained the position, he understood precisely what it entailed. He simply approached me to say hi because he understood what we needed to accomplish.
However, it’s not solely the yearning for improvement. Montgomery is witnessing the development occurring right before him. In a recent offensive meeting, Williams demonstrated his profound knowledge of the offense through the types of questions he was posing.
Montgomery stated, “You mention the communication aspect, the inquiries, the football intelligence, and the insight that he was probing about, which was precisely what you aimed to observe, and that’s the task we need to undertake.”
Morton was candid about Williams, a player he believes possesses a level of speed comparable only to Reggie Bush.
“This will be a breakthrough year for him.” “I just can’t wait, I really can’t wait, dude,” Morton expressed.
However, it’s May. The Lions coaches are aware that a lot of effort is required before the season kicks off, and Montgomery—one of the most esteemed coaches on the team—understands that Williams is far from being a complete player. Last year, he showcased bursts of exceptional talent during games. This year, it’s about establishing his best as the standard, game in and game out.
“Are we in the place we desire to be?” “Not yet, and I’m not implying he’s revealing anything he isn’t, but we prefer to proceed slowly,” Montgomery remarked. “If he continues to progress in the manner he’s doing currently, he will reach a place that he truly enjoys.” Truly, very pleased with his current situation, but there’s still a long journey ahead.