An offseason to collaborate with the quarterback, other teammates, and coaching staff makes a difference.
Jameson Williams, a former University of Alabama wide receiver, is experiencing it for the Detroit Lions.
RELATED: Detroit Lions WR Jameson Williams says suspension caught him by surprise
He missed all significant activities for the team as a rookie because he had to recover from an injury. Williams played late in 2022 and scored a touchdown against Minnesota, but he is in a better situation for the upcoming season. He will serve a six-game suspension for violating the National Football League’s gambling policy, but the electric speedster is in organized team activities for the Lions. Dan Campbell, the head coach for the Lions, told reporters Williams is ‘miles ahead’ from where he was last year.
“We did not get this with him last year,” Campbell said about having Williams in OTAs.
Coach Campbell on Jamo pic.twitter.com/jFEhVg5JxD
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) May 25, 2023
“He was not able to do any of this, so that in itself is like ‘Man, just to be able to build from the ground up and not in the season and trying to … he is already into three weeks, four weeks, and you are seeing progress. I think that’s it. We have to get him better. He’s got a lot of room to grow and develop, and he needs this. I think that is what it’s all about. We have to sharpen everything with him. We have to give him as much time on task at different positions as possible. When he’s gone, he’s gone, but when he comes back, hopefully, we have built enough of a core under him that he can step in and go.”
Campbell wants Williams to work a connection with quarterback Jared Goff.
RELATED: Jameson Williams gets help from Calvin Ridley to better his routes
He spent one season with Bryce Young in 2021, but Williams produced 79 catches for 1,572 yards and 15 touchdowns, helping the Crimson Tide to a Southeastern Conference Championship and a berth in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game.
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Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
