5 NFL rookies that could disappoint fans in 2022 season

NFL rookie that could disappoint no. 4: Jameson Williams, WR, Lions

No team has glown up more at the wide receiver position over the last year than the Detroit Lions have. The Lions’ wide receiver group last year at this time was an absolute embarrassment. There was really nothing to write home about and at that time, Amon-Ra St. Brown hadn’t gotten the chance to show what he could do.

Obviously, since that time, the Lions’ wide receiver room has been substantially upgraded and not just with the emergence of St. Brown. They added DJ Chark, who could be a stud for them in 2022. They added Josh Reynolds, whose presence in the lineup seemed to unlock the efficient version of Jared Goff.

They also added Alabama’s breakout superstar Jameson Williams, trading up from the 32nd overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft to get him.

For whatever reason, the Lions’ own division rivals in Minnesota let them trade up for the speedy Jameson Williams, a move I still don’t understand almost four months later. At any rate, the Lions got their guy and Williams is in the fold. However, if fans are expecting him to go out there and be scoring 80-yard touchdowns immediately, those expectations should be tempered or even reset entirely.

Williams is working his way back from a torn ACL. There were some who felt like this year could be a total redshirt year for him due to the injury. If he gets back on the field at all, it will be a great sight to see. Coming back from ACL injuries is tough for any player, but specifically at wide receiver where you’re constantly cutting, changing direction, and accelerating. Coming back takes time, even when you’re “back” on the field.

If we see Williams in the 2022 NFL season, and I hope we do, we should just hope that he doesn’t suffer any setbacks rather than assuming he’s going to look just like he did at Alabama last year right away.