Former Illini Football Wide Receiver Isaiah Williams’s NFL Debut

Former Illini football standout out wide receiver and quarterback Isaiah Williams had his first taste of NFL action last night for the Detroit Lions. The Lions preseason kicked off last night in a 14-3 loss to the New York Giants. However, even in the loss the undrafted free agent wide receiver quickly made a name for himself. Let’s dive into how former Illini football player Isaiah Williams looked in his NFL preseason debut.

Former Illini Football Player Isaiah Williams Leads Lions in Receiving

Preseason Week 2.

Isaiah Williams. All targets. pic.twitter.com/8g3XiLf3IG

— Zareh Kantzabedian (@ZKantzFF) August 9, 2024

Isaiah Williams looked like he belonged in the NFL after his first preseason game. Williams didn’t catch a pass until the third quarter but that did not seem to slow him down. The former Illini stud wideout tied for the team lead in targets with four, while also leading the team in catches (4) and receiving yards with 35. Williams did most of his work in the short and intermediate part of the field, just like he did for the Illini in his last two seasons. For Williams to have a successful career in the NFL that is where he will need to thrive.

Isaiah Williams’s Path to Making the Lions

Lions release first 2024 unofficial depth chart @DetroitPodcast pic.twitter.com/VfI9KMq82f

— Detroit Lions On SI (@AllLionsFN) August 5, 2024

Isaiah Williams’s path to making the Lions is not an easy one however, it is doable. The top three spots in the receiver room are secured with Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, and Kalif Raymond. But after that, the Lions have a lack of depth behind the three. Donovan Peoples-Jones most likely has the leg up as the wide receiver four.

After those four you have the likes of Daurice Fountain, Kaden Davis, Antoine Green, Maurice Alexander, and Tre-Quan Smith. After the way Williams performed last night, he should be ahead of those guys as the wide receiver five on the depth chart. What also could give Williams a leg up in making this roster is he can contribute on special teams as a punt returner as he did for the Illini football team. Keep smashing Isaiah, we at Armchair Illini are rooting for you!

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