Abigail DeYoung
The Detroit Lions selected defensive linemanTyleik Williamswith the 28th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Now, his primary reserve during the Ohio State Buckeyes' 2024 national championship run is projected to be a first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Kayden McDonald emerged as one of the leading forces along Ohio State's defensive front following Williams' departure. In his third year, McDonald recorded 65 tackles, 9.0 tackles for loss, three sacks and two forced fumbles.
Speaking during prospect availability at the 2026 NFL Combine, McDonald praised Williams' personal impact and leadership.
"Off the field, having a guy you can talk to," McDonald said of his time shared with Williams. "A guy that holds you accountable and holds his own teammates accountable, comes to work every day and really taking advantage of the opportunity being at Ohio State."
Ohio State edge rusher Caden Curry and cornerback Davison Igbinosun, two other former teammates of Williams', also spoke highly of him.
In the Buckeye's 2024 season opener against Akron, Curry and Williams were the team's two highest-graded players according to Pro Football Focus. Curry earned an 83.9 grade, with Williams close behind at 81.8.
"Tyleik, I mean that's the run stopper," Curry said with a smile. "He's a playmaker. He's so athletically gifted for how big he is, and he plays it and shows it."
Curry is projected as a mid-round pick in this year's draft after leading the Buckeyes with 16.5 tackles for loss and 11.0 sacks last season.
Igbinosun, who led Ohio State with six passes defended and is viewed as a potential Day 2 or Day 3 selection, emphasized Williams' impact on the defense.
"He's a problem in that middle, he stops the run," Igbinosun said. "If you have a guy like that in the middle of your defense, that just makes everybody's job so much easier."
Williams' presence didn't just boost production, he also opened the door for others to make plays.
Williams had a slower start to his rookie campaign in Detroit but showed steady progress while playing 40 percent of the defensive snaps. He finished the 2025 season with one sack, three quarterback hits, four passes defended and 18 tackles. Entering Year 2, the Lions expect Williams to take another step forward as a bigger contributor along the defensive front.
