Jameson Williams was a 4-star, 2 sport prospect from St. Louis, MO. In high school, Jameson set a state record in the 300-meter hurdles and won two state track titles. He committed to Ohio State, but was muted by the other talented receivers on the roster. For two straight seasons, Chris Olave, Garrett Wilson, and Jeremy Ruckert prevented Williams from breaking out. However, he did have productive seasons, posting 112 receiving yards as a freshman and another 154 in 2020. Seeing the writing on the wall with freshman talent Jaxon Smith-Njigba joining the roster in 2020, he transferred to Alabama.
Initially many felt that he would fall victim to competition at the receiver position in the form of John Metchie. However, the 2021 campaign proved to be Williams’ breakout season. Coming in as a transfer he commanded a 20.67% target share and posted over 1,500 receiving yards over the 15 games he played in. While you might think his 19.9 (99th percentile) college yards per reception indicated that he was a deep threat, you’d be wrong. Jameson was seen accumulating yardage after the catch, while alluding defenders. Unfortunately, during the national championship game against Georgia, Jameson Williams tore his ACL and did not test at the combine.
Jameson WIlliams was selected in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft by the Detroit Lions. The Lions drafting Williams will baffle scholars for ages. They’re in the middle of a rebuild and they took a speed guy who probably won’t be ready for the start of the season. Even if he is, why would they risk him getting reinjured for a season in that they’re not expected to make the playoffs. 2022 will probably be a wash, but 2023 might bring a new QB for him to mesh with.
