Projecting The Detroit Lions 2013 Depth Chart
Wide Receiver:
Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
2012 Overview:
The Lions carried five receivers on the roster last year — Calvin Johnson, Nate Burleson, Ryan Broyles, Kassim Osgood, Titus Young — but had to reach deep in their pockets when injuries arrived — including a trade for Mike Thomas. However, Johnson had a career year, breaking Jerry Rice’s record for yards in a season. Beyond Johnson, the unit wasn’t as stellar. Titus Young imploded, Broyles and Burleson had leg injuries and the practice squad saw a lot of reps.
1. Calvin Johnson:
Johnson did everything right, as some would say. He dominated, intimidated, broke records and set the bar for modern day receivers. The only problem, his team lagged behind. In today’s pass-happy NFL, pairing an elite quarterback with an elite wide receiver leads to success. The Lions will hope for this theory to play out in 2013.
2. Nate Burleson:
Burleson has become the voice of the Lions this offseason, appearing on NFL Network, NBC and interacting with fans via his Twitter account. After he broke his leg last season, many questioned his health heading into training camp. Those questions were put to rest after Burleson participated in the Lions OTA’s.
“It’s as healed up as it’s going to get,” Burleson told Chris McCosky of the Detroit News. “The good thing about being out there is I am playing at a high level and I am not 100 percent. When it gets stronger and I get endurance back in it, I will be back to playing with extreme confidence.”
Lion fans love to hear this news, as it solidifies the top two receivers for Matthew Stafford.
3. Ryan Broyles:
Another receiver, yet another injury. After an ACL injury at Oklahoma, he tore his other knee last season. If healthy, the Lions will undoubtedly have their top three receivers. According to his twitter account, he’s running on his knee.
4. Mike Thomas:
In a move that insinuated stability for an ailing receiving core, Martin Mayhew landed Mike Thomas from the Jacksonville Jaguars for a fourth round pick. However, in nine games for the Lions, Thomas mustered a measly five catches for 28 yards. The 5-foot-8 speedster will look to regain his 2010 form, which saw him catch 66 passes for 820 yards and four touchdowns. If he can prove a reliable option for Stafford, Lions can ease the return of Broyles and Burleson.
5. Corey Fuller:
Fuller — the former Kansas Jayhawk track star turned Virginia Tech football star — has an uphill battle to climb if he is to make the Lions roster. The 6-foot-2, 204 lbs. speedster (ran a 4.43 40-yard dash at the NFL combine) has placed himself under the wing of superstar Calvin Johnson for the steep learning curve to the NFL. With the potential Fuller brings to the Lions, it would be hard to see him end up anywhere but the 53-man roster.
6. Patrick Edwards:
This roster spot is completely up for grabs during the early parts of training camp. Newly acquired return specialist Michael Spurlock, Kris Durham, Devin Thomas and Edwards all will vie for the Lions last receiver spot. But as MLive.com’s Justin Rogers points out, Edwards has stood out early in OTA’s.
"Much like he did at training camp last year, Edwards has stood out during this weekend’s rookie minicamp. He’s clearly playing at a higher level than the other young receivers participating in the event."
If Edwards keeps up his high level of play, the Lions will have little choice but to keep the talented receiver.
2013 Preview:
With Calvin Johnson in the unit, the Lions remain an enticing group. But beyond him, the 2012 receiving core left something to be desired. With the return of Broyles and Burleson — and the addition of Reggie Bush and youngsters Edwards, Fuller and Riddick — the Lions look to have one of the top units in the NFC.