It’s still early in the NFL offseason calendar, but the Detroit Lions’ journey to the Super Bowl has arguably already begun. It has undoubtedly begun for veteran cornerback Carlton Davis and third-year receiver Jameson Williams.
Going up against each other in a couple practices during OTAs, Davis and Williams both say they’re pushing each other in competitiveness. Davis, in particular, emphasized how much their offseason battles are preparing them for the upcoming season.
“I am making him better. “That’s what I’m here to do,” Davis told reporters about Williams on May 23. “I’m here to help him become one of the top receivers in the NFL, guy. That is my goal.
“That’s what everyone else on my squad will say. I am going to push them, and they are going to push me back. That is the competitive spirit I have been talking about.”
The Lions see Davis and Williams being major components of the team’s winning formula in 2024. Detroit traded a third-round pick to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for Davis in March, after being 27th in passing yards allowed last season.
In 2023, the Lions ranked second in passing yards on offense. However, the team must replace veteran wide receiver Josh Reynolds, who left in NFL free agency.
Lions’ Carlton Davis Highly complementary to Jameson Williams.
Reynolds replaces the Lions’ No. 2 receiver from the previous two seasons. Williams, a 2022 first-round pick, has yet to hit 70 receiving yards in a game.
However, by allowing Reynolds to leave, the Lions are plainly indicating a strong conviction in Williams. Davis acknowledged on May 23 that the 23-year-old has many reasons to be confident about his breakout season in 2024.
“He has a bright future,” Williams stated about Davis. “I enjoy going up against him. He’s got so many tools in his toolbox, man. He can run faster than you. He is capable of snapping down. “He poses a threat in a variety of ways.”
Davis seems to hint that he’s getting better too fighting Williams on a daily basis in offseason training.
“When you’re going up against a guy like that every day, you have no choice but to get better.”
Williams recorded an astounding 19.6 yards per grab at Ohio State and Alabama during his college career. In 2021, he had 79 catches for 1,572 yards and 15 touchdowns at Alabama, averaging 19.9 yards per reception.
In Detroit, Williams has demonstrated that talent in glimpses. He scored a 45-yard receiving touchdown against Davis and the Buccaneers in Week 6 last year. Williams had a 42-yard touchdown run in the NFC Championship Game.
Facing a difficult opponent every day in practice will most likely help Williams hone his skills for the Lions this season.
Williams discusses competing against Davis in practice.
In addition to Davis, Williams discussed what it’s been like in offseason workouts to face Davis.
Williams’ response was more technical, emphasizing how closely Davis has covered him.
“Every single time, it’s been good work,” Williams told reporters on May 23. “Nobody wants to press, but when he does, it’s excellent work. Everything, including his feet, how he plays, his patience, and the way he plays his game, is excellent. I enjoy going up against him.
“It was good work, both ways.”
If Davis can establish himself as a lockdown cornerback, the Lions defense will benefit greatly. In addition to ranking 27th in pass defense, Detroit tied for 29th in yards allowed per pass attempt.
Furthermore, the Lions must replace cornerback Cameron Sutton, whom the team released this summer. Sutton led Detroit in defensive snaps in 2023.
