Lions' 2023 Roster Bubble: Wide Receivers
The Detroit Lions learned plenty about their wide receiver depth during an injury riddled 2022 campaign.
Only one receiver, Kalif Raymond, played in all 17 games. Ironically, he was the only regular who didn't log a touchdown catch.
Forced to play without starters at various points, players like Raymond were able to step up and prove their mettle. Once believed to be a primarily special teams contributor, the veteran wideout made a significant impact to the team's passing game.
He'll join the likes of Amon-Ra St. Brown, Josh Reynolds and Marvin Jones as safely on the roster in 2023. A fifth player, Jameson Williams, will join the active roster in Week 7.
The Lions found a groove with their passing game in 2022 thanks to Jared Goff's solid command of the team's play-action scheme. It helped that St. Brown emerged as one of the league's best receivers.
Against man coverage and on intermediate routes, the USC product was among the best at his position. He finished with over 100 catches and 1,000 yards for the first time in his career, a sign that he's ready to be mentioned among the game's current elite.
Gone is DJ Chark, who played in 11 games last season and was a deep threat when active. The Lions figure to replace him in the aggregate, with Reynolds and Jones leading the way.
The 33-year-old Jones had the best years of his career in Detroit during his first stint, so any sort of return to that form will be greatly welcomed.
Meanwhile, Reynolds has been a reliable piece within the team's receiving corps since coming to Detroit as a waiver addition in 2021.
The lanky wideout has a connection with Goff dating back to their days in Los Angeles. His size makes him a red zone weapon.
Williams will miss the first six games but will be a huge part of the offense upon returning. He gave a taste of his talents last year, as both of his touches went for 40 yards.
With the Alabama product in the fold, Ben Johnson's offense will instantly become more explosive.
Roster bubble
The Lions will presumably need a fifth receiver to fill Williams' void. Special teams will likely be a deciding factor in deciding who stays on the initial 53-man roster.
A leading candidate will be Antoine Green, a seventh-round pick who has the capability to play the X position. He caught 74 passes over his final two seasons at North Carolina and was a bit of a late-bloomer in terms of production.
If Detroit is looking for help in the return game with its final roster spot, Maurice Alexander could fit the bill. He handled some return duties when Detroit needed a practice squad elevation due to injuries.
The book remains out on Trinity Benson, who was acquired by general manager Brad Holmes via trade on cut day in 2021. He has played in just nine games with two catches as a Lion.
Also in the mix is Tom Kennedy, who has a touchdown pass on his resume and won the hearts of many fans with his performance in the preseason last year.
Two undrafted free agents, Dylan Drummond and Chase Cota, are also looking to steal the show when training camp begins.
Drummond is a smaller pass-catcher who earned a spot after a strong tryout, while Cota is a tall wideout who fits the bill of a vertical threat.
