Williams likes fit with Lions
By Chuck Klonke

Allen Park, Mich. � Roy Williams knows that being a wide receiver under Lions coach Steve Mariucci is a recipe for success.

"It's a great feeling to play for coach Mariucci," said the former University of Texas standout, who was the Lions' No. 1 pick and seventh selection overall in the NFL Draft.

"He's had guys like Terrell Owens, and they told me that he was there (in San Francisco) with Jerry Rice, John Taylor and Joe Montana. He's had a trio like that before."

The Lions' last two No. 1 picks have been quarterback Joey Harrington (2002) and wide receiver Charles Rogers (2003).

If Harrington, Rogers and Williams can approach the success the 49ers had with Rice, Taylor and Montana, Lions fans will have a lot to look forward to.

"We've surrounded Joey with a solid supporting cast," Mariucci said. "Rogers and Williams will grow up with Joey Harrington."

Mariucci said that by strengthening the receiving corps, the Lions improved their running game. Detroit was last in the NFL in rushing in 2003.

"We have to improve our rushing attack," he said. "That's not how I prefer to coach. The threat of the pass will force teams to keep the safeties out of the box."

The Lions used a bit of intrigue during Saturday's draft. They convinced the Cleveland Browns to swap first-round picks so that the Browns could take Miami tight end Kellen Winslow II with the sixth pick. In exchange for dropping down a spot in the first round, Detroit got Cleveland's second-round pick.That gives the Lions the 36th and 37th overall picks.

"Adding another second-round pick to our football team is huge," said Lions president Matt Millen. "Hopefully, we'll find another player who can start or contribute right away."

Millen said that the Lions' patience paid off in the trade with Cleveland.

"I thought we were in very good shape either way," he said of making the switch. "We said, 'let's just be patient and see what happens.'"

He said the same scenario could take place in the later rounds.

"We'll stay patiently aggressive," Millen said.

Williams, who stayed in school for his senior year, is the complete package as a receiver. He combines size (6-2 1/2, 212), speed (he has been clocked in 4.37 for the 40-yard dash), and playmaking ability. Last season, he caught 70 passes for 1,079 yards and nine touchdowns. As a junior, he had 64 receptions for 1,142 yards and a school-record 12 touchdowns.

"As you get to know him, you're more impressed with the intangibles he brings than you are with the measurables," Mariucci said. "He's humble. He stayed in school to improve his skills and to help his team.

He trained like crazy. Then when you start throwing the numbers around, he's a 7-foot high jumper, he runs a 10.08 100 and he's a 25-foot long jumper. He's an incredible athlete. The sky's the limit for him."

The last time the Lions drafted a receiver in the first round who was capable of high jumping seven feet, he became the most prolific receiver in club history. Herman Moore ended his career with 670 receptions, including a record 123 in 1995.

Williams said that when Rogers came out early last year, it helped influence his decision to stay in college.

"Seeing him as the No. 1 receiver last year was one of the reasons I came back," Williams said. "I wasn't the best receiver last year, Charles was, but there were other factors, too, that made me stay."

During his first three seasons at Texas, Williams was hampered by hamstring pulls. When he stepped up his workout program before his senior year, he managed to stay injury-free.

Williams isn't sure how the Lions are going to use him. He played the split end or X-receiver position with the Longhorns. Mariucci said that he isn't certain whether Williams will play split end and Rogers will be the flanker or vice-versa. That's something that will be evaluated during minicamps and training camp.

"I have no clue," Williams said when asked how he would fit into the Lions' plans. "We have such a great wide receiver corps. I just hope to get on the field and help this team win more games than it did last year."

Williams, who recently visited the Lions' facilities and was impressed with what he saw, should feel right at home with the team.

"There's a lot of family from the Texas Longhorns -- Cory Redding, Shaun Rogers, Rod Babers -- there," Williams said.