All Kenny Golladay Does Is Catch First Downs

Lions WR Kenny Golladay leads the league in first-down catch percentage

Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Not only is Lions wideout Kenny Golladay tied for the league lead in touchdown receptions, but he is also tops in the NFL in first-down catch percentage.

On the season, 31 of Golladay’s 35 catches have resulted in a first down -- good for an 88.6 percent clip. 

2019 First-Down Catch Percentage Leaders:

Golladay, DET - 88.6%

Chris Conley, JAX - 82.6%

Kenny Stills, HOU - 81.8%

Terry McLaurin, WAS - 81.3%

Mike Evans, TB - 80%

Golladay's first-down success is no fluke, either. 

Remember, Golladay finished the 2018 season in second place for first-down catch percentage. 

And over his three-year career, his 78.9 first-down catch percentage is the highest for all Lions receivers with at least 50 receptions since 1991. 

Lions great Calvin Johnson is the closest to Golladay at 75.9 percent.

Any time you are ahead of "Megatron" in a category, you are doing something right.

Going back to this season, his league-leading first-down catch rate should result in a sizable yards per catch average as well.

In fact, among NFL receivers with at least 30 catches, Golladay is No. 2 in yards per reception (18.3 yards/catch).

Golladay only has the 15th-most receiving yards (640) in the NFL. 

However, of the top 25 reception yards leaders, Golladay has the fewest catches with just 35.

Needless to say, Golladay makes the most of his opportunities.

All in all, the third-year pro is blossoming into a high-end target and a guy with big-play ability. And the stats back it up.

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