Detroit Lions DT Tyleik Williams ready to play 'faster' in 2026

After a solid rookie campaign, Detroit defensive tackle Tyleik Williams hopes to take a second-year leap with the Lions.

A first-round pick of the Lions in 2025, Williams played in all 17 games last season, starting 10. The 6-foot-3, 325-pound defensive lineman out of Ohio State registered 18 tackles, three quarterback hits, two tackles for loss and one sack.

Williams also displayed a knack for getting his hands on the football, tallying four passes defended in his rookie season. The second-year pro ended his rookie season on a high note, recording a tackle for loss and knocking down a pass in the Lions' Week 18 win at the Chicago Bears.

As a projected starter on the inside of the Lions' defense alongside sixth-year pro Alim McNeill, Williams said during OTAs that he's felt better throughout this offseason.

"I feel way better. I don’t feel as nervous, so I’m playing faster. I learned a lot last year, so just trying to use that to build on this year, you know, get better.

"Just how the NFL is played. It’s a lot different than college. Players are way better. Schemes are way better, so just having a year under my belt, I feel like I’m just playing faster and more fluid," Williams said.

In terms of his offseason goals, Williams said he wanted to shed some weight, continue to fully grasp the playbook and work toward being a better teammate. Williams mentioned that he anticipates playing some nose and some 3-tech this season.

With DJ Reader and Roy Lopez signing with the Giants and Cardinals this offseason, it puts a greater importance upon Williams taking a sophomore step. Williams said he will continue to lean on McNeill's guidance and experience.

"Shoot, I talk to Alim every day about something with football. So, last year it was DJ (Reader) and Alim. Now, it’s Alim, so, I mean, Alim helps me whenever I need help and he’s been that great leader for me going into year two," Williams said.

Per Pro Football Focus, Williams carded an overall defensive grade of 62.1, a run defense grade of 53.8 and a pass rushing grade of 68.2.

PFF charted 17 total quarterback pressures from Williams in 2025 on 446 defensive snaps.

In his exit interview last January, pass rush was an area Williams wanted to improve.

"For me, just more pressure on the quarterback. I won some rushes, but I'm not winning them at the rate I want to win them at," Williams said.

For more Lions coverage, follow us on X, @TheLionsWire, and give our Facebook page a like. Follow Josh on X, @JoshOnLions

This article originally appeared on Lions Wire: Detroit Lions DT Tyleik Williams ready to play 'faster' in 2026