Lions Training Camp Preview: Are Wide Receivers Good Enough?
The Detroit Lions were one of the league's best offenses in 2022.
Quarterback Jared Goff experienced a renaissance in the second half of the season. Coincidentally, his uptick in performance came just as his receiving corps was getting healthy.
Many of Detroit's marquee wideouts missed time last year early in the season before coming together as a unit for the final stretch.
Goff's arsenal looks different heading into 2023 and there are questions about the depth. Regardless, there are pieces in place for Ben Johnson's offense to continue playing at a high level.
Reason for hope
The Lions have one of the league's best slot receivers in Amon-Ra St. Brown. He has vastly outperformed his outlook as a fourth-round choice in 2021 since entering the league.
With his insatiable work ethic, the wideout will continue playing at a marquee level as long as he remains healthy. He has excellent chemistry with Goff and is a first-down machine.
Last year, St. Brown was Pro Football Focus' highest-graded receiver against man coverage.
Jameson Williams will be sidelined for the first six games of the year but is a breakout candidate upon returning.
Fans were treated to a glimpse of what his speed can do in a seven-game audition last year, and he'll undoubtedly be a major part of the offense.
Though he and Goff struggled to connect, both of his touches went for 40 yards. This included a 41-yard touchdown catch and a 40-yard run on a reverse.
The speedster can make plays in the passing and run game thanks to his elite speed. Johnson, a creative coordinator, will deploy him in multiple ways to keep defenses off balance.
Josh Reynolds and Marvin Jones Jr. give the team two veteran options to play the X-receiver position. Both are vertical threats who can make contested catches despite lacking elite traits.
With the injuries last season, Kalif Raymond took advantage of his increased opportunities. He's a solid secondary slot option with crisp route-running and good speed.
Training camp battle
With Williams out, the Lions have a hole in their starting lineup for the first six games. The loss of DJ Chark creates an additional opportunity, so Detroit will need two options out wide to compliment St. Brown in the slot.
Reynolds and Jones will likely fill those spots in the immediate future. However, there are intriguing options lower on the roster.
Trinity Benson was an acquisition in 2021 who hasn't made an impact in two seasons. This lack of depth could create an opportunity for him to showcase his talents.
There's also seventh-round pick Antoine Green. The UNC product was an X-receiver who caught 43 passes for 798 yards in his final collegiate season.
The Lions will have to discover what they have in terms of depth. Last year, they were forced to give snaps to Raymond, Tom Kennedy and Maurice Alexander as Reynolds and Chark missed time.
There's plenty of talent at the top of this position. Yet, the margins will make a difference, so it's pivotal for Detroit to find its second group of pass catchers as the season begins.
