The Detroit Lions had a standout performance from their wide receivers in the 2024 NFL season, with Amon-Ra St. Brown continuing to dominate as one of the league’s top receivers, recording 115 receptions for 1263 yards and 12 touchdowns. Jameson Williams also showed why the Lions drafted him 12th overall in the 2022 NFL Draft, posting 58 catches for 1001 yards and seven touchdowns in his third season.
Given their success, head coach Dan Campbell’s recent comments about wanting the team to get younger at wide receiver were unexpected. At this year’s owners meetings, Campbell shared his desire for more competition in the receiver group, mentioning that the team would like to bring in younger talent. “We love that group,” Campbell said, acknowledging the importance of players like St. Brown, Williams, Tim Patrick, and Kalif Raymond. “We would love to bring in more competition, particularly some youth. That would help,” he added.
St. Brown, 25, and Williams, 24, are relatively young, suggesting that any rookie receiver would likely start as WR3 for the foreseeable future. With that in mind, the Lions should hold off on selecting a wide receiver until at least the second day of the draft. The current crop of wide receivers isn’t particularly strong, with the potential top prospects either being part-time players or carrying significant concerns in their evaluations.
While the late first round isn’t ideal for wide receiver talent, there is value to be found in the middle rounds. Players like Jalen Royals, who was highly productive at Utah State, could be a solid day-two pick. Tre Harris offers another deep threat to complement the Lions’ offense, especially after new offensive coordinator John Morton emphasized the need for more explosive plays. Savion Williams, a larger receiver, could eventually step into the WR3 role after Tim Patrick’s departure.
The Lions also have more pressing needs on their roster. With uncertainty at the right guard position and the aging Graham Glasgow showing signs of decline, as well as the need for a new edge rusher, wide receiver should not be a top priority in the draft. Instead, the team should focus on finding value in the mid-rounds, avoiding a risky late-first-round receiver pick.
