Ranking 8 Wide Receivers Lions Could Draft
The Detroit Lions are now in a precarious position at wide receiver heading into the NFL Draft.
The unit holds plenty of promise, but has been marred by scandal. On Friday, Jameson Williams was among four Lions suspended as the result of a violation of the league's gambling rules.
Two other wideouts, Quintez Cephus and Stanley Berryhill, were also implicated. Cephus received an indefinite suspension, and was subsequently released. Meanwhile, Berryhill and Williams were hit with six-game bans.
Factor in the offseason departure of DJ Chark, and a once promising position group is now in need of depth.
Amon-Ra St. Brown is stable as the team's top option, and Marvin Jones Jr. brings veteran leadership after returning on a one-year deal. However, the team needs reinforcements.
Williams was expected to be a top contributor, so his six-game absence leaves a void that will need to be filled.
Because of this, the Lions will likely be active in the receiver market when the NFL Draft commences April 27.
Here is a ranking of eight receivers the Lions could target over the course of the three-day draft.
8.) A.T. Perry, Wake Forest
A good route-runner, Perry is similar to St. Brown in his reliability. He surpassed 1,000 receiving yards in each of his last two seasons with the Demon Deacons.
He's also built well, standing a sturdy 6-foot-3. His combination of agility and catch radius makes him a projectable player right away, so he would help in the immediate future.
Perry isn't a burner, so he wouldn't slot in as a perfect replacement for DJ Chark. However, he still has room to go, and could be a good developmental piece who would benefit from immediate reps.
7.) Jayden Reed, Michigan State
Reed won't wow with his size, but his determination and toughness shine on the tape. Despite being measured at 5-foot-10, he routinely won in contested catch situations as a Spartan.
He lacks elite separation skills, and his size isn't ideal. However, he's a versatile wideout who has the speed to contribute on returns, while making an impact in the passing game.
The former Spartans wideout was impressive on the pre-draft circuit, and has been trending up since exiting college. He might be best in the slot as a pro, but he has traits that project to becoming a reliable starter.
6.) Cedric Tillman, Tennessee
Another big, physical receiver, Tillman surpassed 1,000 yards as a junior, but was limited in 2022 due to an injury.
He's a prototypical "X" receiver who can make plays against tight coverage. He routinely used his size to his advantage as a Volunteer, burning smaller corners in one-on-one situations.
The prospect needs development as a route-runner, as the Volunteers' system didn't cover the entire route tree. However, he would excel as a vertical threat in Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson's system.
5.) Jalin Hyatt, Tennessee
With Tillman sidelined, Hyatt blossomed into a star. Where his teammate was big and physical, he was shifty and fast. The 6-footer was a tough matchup each and every night in the SEC.
He burst on to the national scene with a five-touchdown effort against Alabama, and broke his program's record for receiving scores in a season.
Like Tillman, he'll need work as a route-runner. However, his speed is tough to find elsewhere, and he remains a threat in contested situations with his athleticism.
Tennessee Volunteers wideout Jalin Hyatt
Kirby Lee, USA TODAY Sports
4.) Jordan Addison, USC
Addison made waves with his decision to transfer from Pittsburgh to USC leading into last season. The move worked well, as he was an All-Pac-12 selection and led his team in yards.
Despite lacking ideal size, he's a polished wideout with sure hands. He'd be at his best in the slot, which would slide St. Brown to the outside.
With good speed and agility, the young wideout can run any route, and he catches the ball with ease. He had just two drops last season. This reliability would make him impactful in Detroit.
3.) Zay Flowers, Boston College
Flowers is as good as they come with his speed. He's skilled breaking in and out of his routes, and gets by defenders with ease.
His size has hindered him. His 5-foot-9 frame will limit his versatility at the next level, but Johnson has shown creativity with getting his best players the ball.
The talented wideout would be the closest find to Williams' speed as an immediate replacement. Flowers has legitimate big-play ability, and will be an open-field nightmare for opposing defenders.
2.) Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Ohio State
An injury-plagued 2022 campaign took Smith-Njigba out of the spotlight. Yet, the year prior left scouts in awe of his playmaking and potential.
Though he's undersized, he's arguably the best wideout in the draft class, and he will have no trouble adjusting to the NFL game. He dropped just six passes in three years, so consistency is no concern.
Projecting as a slot receiver at the next level, the prospect would make an immediate impact in Detroit. With top-tier contested-catch ability, he could work as a vertical threat in Johnson's offense, while dominating underneath routes.
1.) Quentin Johnston, TCU
There have been been rumors of Johnston and the Lions exhibiting mutual interest. The two parties met at the NFL Scouting Combine, and he fits the need left by Chark's departure.
Though he doesn't have the same speed that the LSU product offered, he has a massive frame, and can make plays after the catch. Additionally, he played an instrumental role in TCU's run to the national championship game.
He has exciting potential, as well. There's still room for him to grow as a route-runner. Still, he would be an instant starter who could fill the "X" role and give Jared Goff another big target out wide.
