Jameson Williams delivers first-round talent with blazing speed on a Detroit Lions team that can score 30 points on any given Sunday. The issue for Williams is that, between injuries and suspension, he’s been extremely limited in showcasing his talents.
There are two trains of thought for Williams.
The first states that Williams’ fantasy outlook lives in a land where he is about to break out in 2024. The other believes that, because he hasn’t produced yet, he will become a “bust” for the Lions and never truly produce for us in fantasy football.
Let’s break down Williams’ fantasy outlook and help navigate this former first-round pick, who has an average draft position (ADP) of 119, in your fantasy drafts.
Jameson Williams’ Fantasy Profile for the 2024 Season
When Williams returned in Week 5 last season, he never got his feet under him within Detroit’s offense. Williams only reached six or more targets three times last season. He was a down-the-field specialist for the Lions’ offense, averaging 14.8 yards per reception (23rd overall, per TruMedia).
We must understand that Williams will never be WR1 for the Lions, who have Amon-Ra St. Brown, Sam LaPorta, and the duo of David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs in the backfield.
Williams has become a deep-ball threat with upside. A plethora of notable forces have noted his improvements this offseason, including Lions head coach Dan Campbell, who called him “a man on a mission,” according to WXYZ Detroit’s Jeanna Trotman.
Training camp reports are positive on Williams, giving everyone in the fantasy football world hope that we may have another Lions player who can produce for us in 2023.
If Williams has turned the corner, we need to take notice. He is a taller DeSean Jackson, winning with his speed down the field. Williams isn’t just fast; he also possesses quick, shifty ability at the line to beat his opponents. One of the biggest positives in Williams’ game is how he attacks leverage with relative ease to help sell his deep routes on the play.
Williams only needs more muscle mass to become unstoppable down the field, as he has weighed around 180 pounds during the season. That muscle mass would also help keep him healthier during the season, which is vital because availability is your best ability in the NFL.
Is Williams a Good Fantasy Pick?
Williams is being drafted as a bench depth piece and is worth the dart throw in your draft. One of the best rules of fantasy football is to draft players from good offenses.
Well, the Lions have one of the best offenses in the NFL, ranking third in yards, sixth in points, second in passing yards, and fourth in passing touchdowns. Combine a potent offense with a downfield specialist role available in said offense, and Williams can become a strong WR3/Flex player for your fantasy football team.
Williams doesn’t possess any true bye-week impact, as the Lions are on a Week 5 bye.
Feel comfortable taking Williams and naming your team “Jameson and Soda” for that cherry on top.