Do Lions Have Depth Issues at Wide Receiver?

Depth at wide receiver listed as possible hurdle that could impact Detroit Lions.

The Detroit Lions are banking on their offense being able to make strides in 2023. 

In Ben Johnson's second season running the offense, the expectations are that the elements of the offense that were not executed crisply will be improved and the areas of strength will be nearly perfected.

"There are a couple of new things that we have implemented already this springtime to get a look at, get on tape and coach up. And then, in training camp, we will probably be in the envelope a little bit further," said Johnson. "We just don’t have enough reps right now. We need to get our foundation underneath of us, and understand the foundation of what we are doing right now. So, this springtime, you are not going to see a whole lot, but once we get into training camp, we’ll start pushing the envelope there.” 

With expectations that the offense will carry the team again, there are growing concerns that the depth behind standout wideout Amon-Ra St. Brown could be improved. 

Jameson Williams will return Week 7, but one of the question marks heading into training camp is who will pick up the slack in his absence. 

According to Lions beat writer Dave Birkett, who listed the receiver depth as a potential hurdle the team must address, "Raymond is back, Josh Reynolds is healthy and the Lions added veteran Marvin Jones as insurance, but Jameson Williams has a six-game suspension to serve to start the season and there’s no one else in the receiving corps that strikes fear in opponents."

The potential candidates include a couple talented rookies who put their best foot forward at rookie minicamp and OTAs. 

"The Lions are banking on contributions from rookies Jahmyr Gibbs (a D’Andre Swift replacement) and Sam LaPorta (the new Hockenson), but their passing game remains extremely St. Brown-dependent," Birkett opined.