Lions pick Ohio State DT Tyleik Williams in NFL draft first round: Highlights, stats

Tyleik Williams is Ohio State ’s first defensive player to be taken in this year's NFL draft.

The Detroit Lions selected Williams in the first round on April 24, using the No. 28 overall selection.

Williams was a run-stuffing defensive tackle for the Buckeyes who broke out in 2023 when he became a full-time starter.

Injuries resulted in him missing three games last season, but Williams remained a disruptive presence along the interior of the defensive line as the Buckeyes allowed the fewest points and yards per game over their national championship season.

Williams was the Buckeyes' first defensive tackle since Ryan Pickett in 2001 to land in the first round.

Does Tyleik Williams fit Lions’ needs?

Williams bolsters a defensive line in Detroit that was beset by injuries last season.

Tyleik Williams highlights

During the Buckeyes’ run through the College Football Playoff, he contributed a tackle for loss in three out of their four postseason games.

Tyleik Williams stats

Williams had 136 tackles, 28 tackles for loss, 11.5 sacks and 10 pass breakups over four seasons with the Buckeyes.

Tyleik Williams height, weight

He measured 6 feet 3 inches and 334 pounds at the NFL scouting combine.

Tyleik Williams combine results

Williams fell while running the 40-yard dash at the Buckeyes’ pro day in March, but had participated in position drills at the combine, where he showed off his agility.

Joey Kaufman covers Ohio State football for The Columbus Dispatch. Email him at jkaufman@dispatch.com and follow along on Bluesky , Instagram and X for more.

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This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Tyleik Williams NFL draft: Lions pick Ohio State DT in first round