The Detroit Lions selected defensive lineman Tyleik Williams with the 28th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Now, his primary reserve during the Ohio State Buckeyes' 2024 national championship run is projected to be a first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Kayden McDonald emerged as one of the leading forces along Ohio State's defensive front following Williams' departure. In his third year, McDonald recorded 65 tackles, 9.0 tackles for loss, three sacks and two forced fumbles.
Speaking during prospect availability at the 2026 NFL Combine, McDonald praised Williams' personal impact and leadership.
"Off the field, having a guy you can talk to," McDonald said of his time shared with Williams. "A guy that holds you accountable and holds his own teammates accountable, comes to work every day and really taking advantage of the opportunity being at Ohio State."
View photos of the defensive linemen at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine.
Duke defensive lineman Vincent Anthony Jr. (30) runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Texas Tech defensive lineman David Bailey (31) runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Arkansas defensive lineman Cameron Ball (01) runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Florida defensive lineman Caleb Banks (02) runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Michigan defensive lineman Jaishawn Barham (33) runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
South Carolina defensive lineman Nick Barrett (03) runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Michigan defensive lineman Rayshaun Benny (04) runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Clemson defensive lineman DeMonte Capehart (05) runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
North Carolina State defensive lineman Brandon Cleveland (06) runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Auburn defensive lineman Keyron Crawford (34) runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Ohio State defensive lineman Caden Curry (35) runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Penn State defensive lineman Dani Dennis-Sutton (36) runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Penn State defensive lineman Zane Durant (08) runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Tennessee defensive lineman Bryson Eason (09) runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Minnesota defensive lineman Deven Eastern (10) runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Auburn defensive lineman Keldric Faulk (38) runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Florida defensive lineman George Gumbs Jr. (39) goes through drills and testing at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
Kentucky defensive lineman David Gusta (12) goes through drills and testing at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, Feb. 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
Oklahoma defensive lineman Gracen Halton (13) runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Texas Tech defensive lineman Romello Height (40) runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Texas A&M defensive lineman Cashius Howell (41) runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Texas Tech defensive lineman Lee Hunter (15) runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Boston College defensive lineman Quintayvious Hutchins (43) runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Florida State defensive lineman Darrell Jackson Jr. (16) runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Auburn defensive lineman Bobby Jamison-Travis (17) runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Central Florida defensive lineman Nyjalik Kelly (47) runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Central Florida defensive lineman Malachi Lawrence (48) runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Iowa defensive lineman Max Llewellyn (49) runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Southern California defensive lineman Anthony Lucas (50) runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Baylor defensive lineman Jackie Marshall (19) runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Missouri defensive lineman Chris McClellan (20) goes through drills and testing at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, Feb. 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
Ohio State defensive lineman Kayden McDonald (21) runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Texas defensive lineman Trey Moore (53) runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Texas A&M defensive lineman Tyler Onyedim (23) runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Alabama defensive lineman LT Overton (54) runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Clemson defensive lineman T.J. Parker (55) runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Southeastern Louisiana defensive lineman Kaleb Proctor (25) runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese (20) runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Texas A&M defensive lineman Albert Regis (26) runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Ucla defensive lineman Gary Smith III (27) runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Oklahoma defensive lineman R Mason Thomas (60) runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Western Michigan defensive lineman Nadame Tucker (61) runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Oklahoma defensive lineman Damonic Williams (28) goes through drills and testing at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, Feb. 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
Duke defensive lineman Wesley Williams (62) runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Missouri defensive lineman Zion Young (63) runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Ohio State edge rusher Caden Curry and cornerback Davison Igbinosun, two other former teammates of Williams', also spoke highly of him.
In the Buckeye's 2024 season opener against Akron, Curry and Williams were the team's two highest-graded players according to Pro Football Focus. Curry earned an 83.9 grade, with Williams close behind at 81.8.
"Tyleik, I mean that's the run stopper," Curry said with a smile. "He's a playmaker. He's so athletically gifted for how big he is, and he plays it and shows it."
Curry is projected as a mid-round pick in this year's draft after leading the Buckeyes with 16.5 tackles for loss and 11.0 sacks last season.
Igbinosun, who led Ohio State with six passes defended and is viewed as a potential Day 2 or Day 3 selection, emphasized Williams' impact on the defense.
"He's a problem in that middle, he stops the run," Igbinosun said. "If you have a guy like that in the middle of your defense, that just makes everybody's job so much easier."
View photos of the Detroit Lions' rookie class throughout the 2025 season.
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Tyleik Williams (91) celebrates during an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Tyleik Williams (91) during an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025 in Cincinnati. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Tyleik Williams (91) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Thursday, Nov. 27, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Tyleik Williams (91) in action during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025 in Inglewood, Calif. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Tyleik Williams (91) makes a tackle during an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears on Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026 in Chicago. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions offensive lineman Tate Ratledge (69) during an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens on Monday, Sept. 22, 2025 in Baltimore. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions offensive lineman Tate Ratledge (69) during an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions offensive lineman Tate Ratledge (69) and Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Thursday, Nov. 27, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions offensive lineman Tate Ratledge (69) during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions offensive lineman Tate Ratledge (69) during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa (18) catches a touchdown pass during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025, in Green Bay, Wis. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa (18) during an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears on Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa (18) catches the ball and scores a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025 in Cincinnati. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa (18) scores a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa (18) scores a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Thursday, Dec. 25, 2025 in Minneapolis. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions offensive lineman Miles Frazier (71) during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions offensive lineman Miles Frazier (71) during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions offensive lineman Miles Frazier (71) during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025 in Inglewood, Calif. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Dominic Lovett (19) during an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025 in Cincinnati. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Dominic Lovett (19) during an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Williams' presence didn't just boost production, he also opened the door for others to make plays.
Williams had a slower start to his rookie campaign in Detroit but showed steady progress while playing 40 percent of the defensive snaps. He finished the 2025 season with one sack, three quarterback hits, four passes defended and 18 tackles. Entering Year 2, the Lions expect Williams to take another step forward as a bigger contributor along the defensive front.
