Lions fans hand out grade for selection of Tyleik Williams

Examining the grade Lions fans assign to their 2025 first-round draft pick.

Immediately following the Detroit Lions' first-round selection of Ohio State defensive tackle Tyleik Williams, we published an SB Nation Reacts Survey asking fans for their grade of the pick.

Most fans expected the Lions to draft a defensive lineman with their first selection—falling in line with the betting odds from the good folks over at FanDuel Sportsbook, who also favored the Lions drafting a DL. But it was a bit of a surprise that Detroit ended up with Williams when most fans expected the Lions to grab an edge rusher.

While most fans and analysts mock draft projections tended to favor edge rushers Donovan Ezeiruaku, Mike Green, or Nic Scourton, the Lions went with the best defensive tackle available and added a perfect fit for their interior defensive line.

Most national analysts called this pick a “reach” for where Detroit selected Williams. Still, Lions general manager Brad Holmes is never swayed by the national rankings and ALWAYS takes the player he deems the best fit for the organization—and given his track record, it’s not good business to bet against him.

So, what did the Lions fans think of the pick? After three days of voting, the results are in:

While 72% of the votes landed in the A or B range, it’s not overly surprising to see the selection of a run-stuffing defensive lineman receive a majority B grade. Let’s look to the comment section of our original survey to allow Lions fans to explain their vote (slightly edited for clarity):

• GMJoe: “‘E’. As in Ezeiruaku.”
• BigLebowzki: “‘B’ for ‘In Brad We Trust.’ Feels like we could have traded down (Eagles, or to the 2nd round) and still drafted him and gotten some additional value. But Alim might be out until December. Keeps the rotation fresh. Two Alim McNeil’s are better than one.”
• MaizeAndBlueWahoo: “B, but largely because there weren’t any A picks left. But Williams seems like a great combination of need and talent.”
• TakeThePointsDan: “A+. He was one of the best players available, and he fills a need.”
• JustWingInIt: “Underwhelming, but Brad has earned our trust.”
• Katmandoo122: “Brad Holmes has been drafting the most talented player available in his eyes, and with one or two exceptions, he’s always been right. He does not draft the position, and he does not draft the need unless the talent is already there.”
• DefendTheDen: “A. It’s a Brad Holmes pick...what other grade should this be?”

Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Detroit Lions fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.