The Detroit Lions have spent the last several years waiting to see the complete version of Jameson Williams. Based on the comments from associate head coach and wide receivers coach Scottie Montgomery on Tuesday, Detroit may be closer than ever to seeing exactly that.
Speaking following mandatory minicamp in Allen Park, Montgomery offered an encouraging update on Williams’ development, highlighting not only his growth on the field but also his evolution as a leader and student of the game.
The timing could not be better for the Lions. After posting back to back 1,000 yard seasons, Williams appears poised to take another step heading into the 2026 campaign.
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Jameson Williams Is Chasing the Next Level
Williams has already established himself as one of the NFL’s premier deep threats. After recording 58 catches for 1,001 yards and seven touchdowns in 2024, he followed that up with an even stronger 2025 season, hauling in 65 receptions for 1,117 yards and seven more scores.
Those numbers helped cement his role as one of Jared Goff’s favorite targets and one of the most dangerous playmakers in Detroit’s offense.
Still, Montgomery believes there is another level available.
“We’ve worked really hard this offseason talking about the detail it takes to go from being good to truly elite,” Montgomery said.
For the Lions coaching staff, becoming elite is about much more than speed and production.
“We’ve focused on the way he works, not just the start of a drill, but the finish of everything he does.”
That attention to detail has become a major point of emphasis throughout the offseason program.
Best Offseason of His Career
Montgomery did not hesitate when discussing Williams’ progress.
“This has definitely been his best offseason and his best opportunity to grow as a player since we’ve been here.”
That statement carries significant weight.
Since entering the league as the 12th overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, Williams has faced plenty of obstacles. Injuries limited his rookie season, and his development was slowed early in his career. Yet each season has brought measurable improvement.
His career numbers tell the story. After catching just one pass during his injury shortened rookie season, Williams has developed into a legitimate star. Through four NFL seasons, he has accumulated 148 receptions, 2,513 receiving yards, and 17 touchdowns while averaging an impressive 17.0 yards per catch.
The Lions believe there is still more room for growth.
“His detail, his eyes, his catch points, his checkpoints, everything we’re doing now and everything we did in March and April has shown up,” Montgomery said.
“We’re really excited about where he is right now.”
Leadership Growth Has Caught Coaches’ Attention
Perhaps the most interesting part of Montgomery’s assessment had nothing to do with statistics or athletic ability.
Instead, it focused on Williams’ increasing leadership presence.
“What has really surprised a lot of us and made us feel better is his ability to be vocal and ask questions about the why,” Montgomery said.
That deeper understanding of the offense is helping Williams see the game differently.
“Now that he understands the conceptual side of football, he also understands how we attack defenses.”
Montgomery explained that Williams has become someone younger players can learn from.
“If he’s helping one of our young guys, he understands exactly why routes need to be run a certain way.”
The growth is showing up throughout the wide receiver room.
“That’s what we’re seeing in the room.”
Why This Matters for Detroit
The Lions already feature one of the NFL’s most explosive offenses. Jared Goff is coming off another productive season, Amon-Ra St. Brown remains one of football’s top receivers, and Detroit continues to surround its stars with elite talent.
If Williams continues on his current trajectory, Detroit’s offense could become even more dangerous.
His production has steadily climbed each year, but Montgomery’s comments suggest the biggest improvements may be happening behind the scenes. Better attention to detail. Greater understanding of the offense. Increased leadership.
Those are often the traits that separate Pro Bowl caliber players from true stars.
Based on what the Lions are seeing this offseason, Jameson Williams may be positioning himself to make that leap.