Lions' Jameson Williams reflects on slow start to career: 'Matured a lot'

Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams hasn't enjoyed the brightest start to his NFL career, but he believes an attitude adjustment has him turning a corner.

"I think I've matured a lot," Williams said Thursday, according to Kyle Meinke of MLive. "Coming in the league, I still had some childish ways. Wanted to do what I wanted to do and how I wanted to do it. Sometimes you got to listen and just be on the right track. Follow the right path, and you'll be down the right way."

The Lions traded a first-, second-, and third-round pick in the 2022 draft to move up and select Williams 12th overall. Detroit also received a second-round selection, which was used to select defensive lineman Josh Paschal.

Williams missed the first 11 games of his NFL career due to a torn ACL he suffered in college. He made his debut in Week 13 of the 2022 season but ultimately only totaled 40 receiving yards in six contests.

The 23-year-old was handed a six-game suspension to start last campaign for violating the league's gambling policy. The ban was eventually reduced to four contests, opening the door for Williams to return in Week 5. He played 53% of the snaps in 12 games, racking up 383 total yards and three scores.

Williams is set to see an increase in workload next season, as 2023 starting wideout Josh Reynolds departed for the Denver Broncos in free agency. Head coach Dan Campbell is thrilled with how Williams has looked so far this offseason, saying he's the most improved player on the roster since the start of spring, according to team insider Tim Twentyman.

"He's a man on a mission, and I'm just gonna leave it at that," Campbell added, per Colton Pouncy of The Athletic.