One player will determine if the Lions are to reach their potential in 2023

The Detroit Lions have garnered plenty of buzz for their offseason moves, and rightfully so. Heading into the 2023 season, Detroit is one of the NFC”s most trendy picks to make some noise in the postseason. With that being said, the Lions will need to get the most out of a certain player playmaker in […]

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Kirthmon F. Dozier / USA TODAY NETWORK

The Detroit Lions have garnered plenty of buzz for their offseason moves, and rightfully so. Heading into the 2023 season, Detroit is one of the NFC”s most trendy picks to make some noise in the postseason. With that being said, the Lions will need to get the most out of a certain player playmaker in order to meet these lofty expectations.

The Lions have made a handful of exciting splashes in the free agency pool over the last couple of months. They also emerged from the 2023 NFL Draft with one of the most intriguing classes in the league. But Pro Football Focus believes the Lions’ X-Factor comes in the form of a second-year player.

That player in Jameson Williams.

From PFF: “Having played only six games as a rookie due to injury, Williams was slated for a bigger role in 2023 before he was suspended six games for gambling. However, because of the lack of receiving depth on the roster, Williams will have every opportunity to become a major contributor upon his return.”

Williams has had quite the rollercoaster ride since being selected in the first round of last year’s draft. He played in just six games in 2022 after recovering from a torn ACL at the end of his collegiate career with Alabama.

Poised for a breakout season in 2023, Williams found himself into a different kind of trouble. The NFL determined that Williams would be suspended for the first six games of the season for violating the league’s gambling policy.

Even though Williams will open the season on the shelf, there will be plenty of time for him to make his presence felt in the Lions offense. He recorded just one catch last season, but it went for 41 yards and a touchdown.

With a full offseason to sharpen his game, Williams is in position to make major strides in his sophomore season. Jared Goff and the Lions offense will count on him to make an immediate impact upon his return as Amon-Ra St. Brown could be set up to thrive himself with a game-breaking wideout alongside him in the 2023 season.