Jameson Williams Breaks Out Of Fantasy Bust Status In 2024?
Jameson Williams has had a disappointing first two years of his NFL career after being selected in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft with the 12th overall pick. He tore his ACL in the National Championship game in his final collegiate season, keeping him out for most of the 2022 NFL season. He then missed the first 4 games of the 2023 season due to a suspension for violating the NFL's gambling policies.
He didn't crack a 50% snap share until Week 10, after the Lions' bye week. From Weeks 10 - 17, Williams played at least 50% of the snaps but only had 10+ points in 1 of 8 games played. In that span, Williams averaged 2.3 receptions, 35.4 yards, and 0.13 touchdowns per game. He's had just one week where he's finished as a WR2 or better in his career.
These are not inspiring numbers for fantasy. So why is there buzz surrounding Jameson Williams this season? Well, the Lions' wide receiver room is pretty barren after Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams. The team's next two best wide receivers are Kalif Raymond and Donovan Peoples-Jones. Sam LaPorta will likely get the second-most targets on the team, as he did last year after a breakout rookie campaign.
Jameson Williams has also received some enticing reports from the Lions camp. On July 24th, The Athletic's Nick Baumgardner reported that Williams "looks like a different player" in training camp. He referred to him as looking stronger, more explosive, and having better body control in the air near the sideline.
Williams was already blazing fast, so if he got more explosive than he was, he could be a problem for opposing defenses. Williams, operating as the field stretcher, is a perfect fit in this offense with St. Brown, LaPorta, and two great running backs, David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs. Too many talented players are running routes at the short to intermediate parts of the field to prioritize Williams.
In addition, Goff completed 50% of his attempts of 20+ air yards downfield last season, which was the sixth-highest percentage among 38 qualifying quarterbacks. The Lions also have PFF's number-one-ranked offensive line heading into 2024. Jameson Williams's ADP currently sits at 9.12 overall and WR48. Despite Williams' career getting off to a slow start, he arguably has the highest upside of any player you can draft in the 9th/10th round and beyond.
Our consensus projections for Williams in the 2024 season would be: 45 receptions, 688 yards, 5 touchdowns through the air and 4 carries for 85 yards and 1 rushing touchdown.
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