Lions' Playmakers Ranked 16th, David Montgomery Viewed as Downgrade

Can Sam LaPorta have a real impact his rookie season in the NFL?

The playmakers of the Detroit Lions will be counted on to aid quarterback Jared Goff this season. 

In a recent ranking of NFL team wideouts, running backs and tight ends, ESPN's Bill Barnwell ranked the Lions' offensive weapons 16th, up one spot from last season. 

As expected, Amon-Ra St. Brown has earned more praise due to his reliability and being able to move the chains. 

As Barnwell explains, "It's good that St. Brown is a target hog, because the Lions are going to need one in 2023. Jameson Williams was expected to ascend to the starting lineup after an ACL injury limited him to one catch as a rookie, but he will be suspended for the first six weeks of the season after violating the league's gambling policy."

Based on St. Brown having production that rivals Ja'Marr Chase, Jaylen Waddle and DeVonta Smith, Detroit's offense has the potential to thrive again in 2023, despite the absence of Williams to start the season. 

The rest of Detroit's playmakers still have questions to answer, as they will be called upon to take on larger roles in Ben Johnson's offense. 

As Barnwell writes, "T.J. Hockenson was traded last fall, while DJ Chark left for the Panthers. Marvin Jones, Josh Reynolds and Kalif Raymond will be pressed into larger roles, while the Lions will hope for an immediate impact at tight end from second-round pick Sam LaPorta, who struggled with drops at Iowa and plays a position that rarely produces impact rookie campaigns. Detroit could add a veteran receiver before camp."

Of note, Barwell believes David Montgomery is not a suitable replacement for Jamaal Williams, who signed a free-agent contract with the New Orleans Saints. 

"Gibbs is likely an upgrade on traded back D'Andre Swift, but Montgomery is a downgrade from Jamaal Williams, who was much closer to a league-average back over the past two seasons," Barnwell opined.