One WR Lions Could Select in Every Round of NFL Draft

Examining potential fits for Lions at wide receiver position.

Nov 25, 2023; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; LSU Tigers wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. (11). / Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

The Detroit Lions have the start of an exciting wide receiving corps, but there is one area in which the group can improve. 

After losing Josh Reynolds, the Lions could benefit from adding a big-bodied, physical wideout on the outside to pair with Jameson Williams and All-Pro Amon-Ra St. Brown in the slot.

As a result, general manager Brad Holmes and company could keep an eye out for some of the top talent at the position that fit this mold. 

Here is one wide receiver the Lions could select in every round of the NFL Draft, which begins April 25.

Round 1

Brian Thomas Jr., LSU

Outside of the top three wide receivers, all three of which will likely be top-10 picks, Thomas may be the best of the rest. He led the FBS level with 17 touchdowns in 2023 and earned third-team All-American honors. 

Thomas glides on the field, with both short-yardage burst and long speed. At 6-foot-3, he has the necessary size to be a legitimate downfield threat. He also appears to be ahead of the curve when it comes to tracking deep balls. Thomas caught 15 of his 22 targets thrown 20 or more yards down the field, per Pro Football Focus. 

The LSU product could go even earlier than the Lions’ pick, but he’d be an excellent fit in Detroit’s offense if he is available when Holmes and company are on the clock. 

Jan 1, 2024; Tampa, FL, USA; Wisconsin Badgers cornerback Ricardo Hallman (2) tackles LSU Tigers receiver Brian Thomas Jr. / Matt Pendleton-USA TODAY Sports

Round 2

Xavier Legette, South Carolina

Legette is another player who appears to be a natural pairing for the Lions based on his skill set. He’s got the frame to play the ‘X’ receiver position and has good speed and burst on the outside. 

The South Carolina product had one big year while playing at the collegiate ranks, as he caught just a total of 42 passes over his first four campaigns. Yet, he broke out in 2023 with 73 catches. 

Legette showed all the necessary skills to be a strong contributor at the NFL level. He still may need some fine-tuning, but the talent is in place for him to have a nice pro career.

Mar 1, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; South Carolina wide receiver Xavier Legette (WO14). / Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

Round 3

Malachi Corley, Western Kentucky

Whereas the first two players on this list are big-bodied deep threats, Corley brings more of a punch with his ability to make plays after the catch. He was explosive during his time at Western Kentucky, routinely making defenders miss after hauling in a pass. 

Corley was tabbed with 15 missed tackles forced last year at Western Kentucky and had 683 yards after the catch. 

He has the size to play either outside or in the slot, and he’d be on the outside with the Lions. While he has been strong after the catch, he’ll need to show more as a deep threat. Over 75 percent of his targets last season were within 10 yards of the line of scrimmage, per PFF.

Dec 18, 2023; Charlotte, NC, USA; Western Kentucky Hilltoppers wide receiver Malachi Corley (11). / Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

Round 4

The Lions do not currently own a fourth-round selection

Round 5

Cornelius Johnson, Michigan

In Michigan’s run-oriented offense, Johnson didn’t always get a bunch of opportunities to contribute and show off his skills. The style paid off as the team marched to a national championship, but the wideout wasn’t able to display his full range of skills. 

Johnson helped his stock at the East-West Shrine Bowl and has drawn some comparisons to players such as fellow Wolverine product Nico Collins, who rocketed toward stardom with the Texans after a modest college career. 

Johnson has an intangible size that will help him in contested situations and caught 18-of-29 passes thrown beyond 10 yards downfield. With some polish, Johnson could wind up being an excellent late-round pickup. 

Michigan wide receiver Cornelius Johnson makes a catch against Washington during the first half of the College Football Playoff national championship. / Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK

Round 6

Marcus Rosemy-Jacksaint, Georgia

Rosemy-Jacksaint served as a secondary option for Georgia’s passing attack, producing  872 receiving yards total over his final two seasons. He profiles as a developable player who has shown flashes at the college ranks. 

The wideout has good hands and long arms, which will help him in contested catch situations. However, he isn’t a burner and won’t out-physical opposing cornerbacks. Still, he could provide good depth with the necessary athleticism to also contribute on special teams. 

Feb 3, 2024; Mobile, AL, USA; American Team wide receiver Marcus Rosemy-Jacksaint of Georgia (1) at the Reese's Senior Bowl. / Vasha Hunt-USA TODAY Sports

Round 7

Jalen Coker, Holy Cross

Coker looks the part of an intriguing late-round steal, but he’s still looking to prove his talents against higher-level competition. At Holy Cross, though, he offered an all-around showing that left an enticing impression. 

Measured at 6-foot-1, he has the size to be a prominent deep threat. He caught 13-of-25 passes thrown his way 20 or more yards down the field, and he earned a PFF receiving grade of 99.9 on passes thrown at that distance. 

Coker will need to prove he stacks up, but he’s certainly a prospect worth monitoring on the Draft’s third day.

Mar 2, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Holy Cross wide receiver Jalen Coker (WO03) during the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine. / Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports