Between FA and the Williams pick, it feels like the Lions are still very much in the slow build phase, willing to sacrifice some wins in 2022 for a stronger 2023 and beyond.
He will likely not see action in early games, will need time to learn and get into games for more than a few snaps. But by 2023 he will likely be an emerging star.
They could have focused on D. Maybe taking who Eagles took at 13. Davis plus Hutch would have made it challenging for OLs to double both. Kinda feels like, for the moment, Hutch will draw doubles and when Williams is playing he will be doubled also. Both players will need support from elsewhere, but both will make the Team better even if it does not show up on their individual stats.
As long as they focus on D the rest of the draft, trading up to get Williams as the only O weapon makes sense. They need to get impact D players in R2 and R3 though. Ojabo is possible as his injury, like Williams, is causing him to slide down the board. If Lions are willing to wait for Williams they might similarly be willing to wait for Ojabo. If their strategy is to just reinforce the gains from 2021, this makes sense. Keep building in steady ways through 2022 then 2023 they can make jump into being a playoff team. I can respect the patience they are showing.
