NFL preseason is underway, and the Illinois football team has players littered all over the fields.
It is finally happening. Football is back on the televisions, as NFL preseason games have kicked off. With so many Illini players selected in the NFL Draft the past few years, and free agent signings, expect to see some familiar names pop up in the preseason games.
On Thursday night, the New York Giants took on the Detroit Lions. The leading quarterback for the Giants was, of course, Tommy DeVito. He had some bright moments with the Giants last season, but he is always on proving ground, as New York has high expectations.
DeVito threw for 92 yards on 8-of-15 passing. While those are good numbers, he was not the Illinois headline in the game.
On the other side of the field, the Lions trotted out former Illinois wide receiver, Isaiah Williams. Williams signed a 3-year, $2.845 million contract with the Lions as an undrafted free agent.
The first preseason game of the year is always a proving ground for the players who are fighting for roster spots. Starters usually don’t play, so this is an important game to show out.
Williams took his opportunity and shined brightest. He finished the game against the Giants with four receptions for 35 years, both team-highs. He was quick and shifty. The on-field ability Williams showed against New York was exactly what we saw when he was torching defenses in Champaign.
Lions’ wide receiver Isaiah Williams has been one of the most impressive rookies tonight.
— Bobby Football (@Rob__Paul) August 9, 2024
Undrafted out of Illinois, Williams’ quickness and change of direction skills have popped. pic.twitter.com/b8cowm02Ej
Isaiah Williams might have a say in a meaningful spot on the Detroit Lions depth chart
It was only one game against all backups, but Williams was impressive. He was able to display his great talent and quickness. It honestly wouldn’t surprise me to see him rise quickly on the Lions' depth chart too.
Detroit’s No. 1 and No. 2 wide receiver are set. You aren’t going to move Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams off those spots. I would say Kalif Raymond is pretty comfortable at the No. 3 spot as well. He has been pretty reliable for the Lions over the years.
The No. 4 wide receiver down is a huge question mark, though. There is nothing set in stone. In fact, the projected backup to Raymond is Antoine Green, and he only had three receptions for 13 yards against the Giants on Thursday. The backups to Williams and St. Brown, Daurice Fountain and Tom Kennedy, had a combined one reception for four yards.
One game is in the books, but it was an impactful performance by Williams. If he can stack a couple of these solid performances, then there is a shot he sees a lot of playing time in 2024. Keep an eye out for Williams in the next couple of weeks.