Detroit Lions roster prediction: Wide receivers
By Matt Bosko
The Detroit Lions have one of the most formidable groups of pass catchers in the NFL. How will they solidify their depth at the position in 2018?
Much like their quarterback situation, the Detroit Lions have few questions with regards to wide receiver. Outside of bringing back TJ Jones on an original-round tender and signing some undrafted free agents, the Lions did not need to address this position in the offseason, allowing them to fill holes in other areas of the roster.
The real question is: how much roster space will the Lions allocate to the wide receivers?
LOCKS (4)
Golden Tate, Marvin Jones, Kenny Golladay, TJ Jones
None of these players are in doubt.
Golden Tate and Marvin Jones are one of the most dynamic tandem of receivers in the entire league, as each racked up over 1,000 receiving yards last season. Imagine the numbers they could put up when defenses actually have to think about stopping the run.
Kenny Golladay had a rookie season that showed he will be an impact player. It was also a bit of a tease, where the flashes of potential left fans wanting more. The former third-round pick missed five games due to a hamstring injury, but in spite of the setback, Golladay established himself as a big-play threat, averaging 17 yards per catch to go with three touchdowns. Expectations are high as he enters his second season in the NFL.
Getting TJ Jones to sign an original-round tender was one of Bob Quinn’s best moves of the offseason. In a market where average wide receivers commanded absurdly lucrative contracts, Quinn retained an improving and reliable commodity for just $1.9 million. He is a solid No. 4 receiver.
ON THE BUBBLE (2)
Aside from the four receivers mentioned above, Billingsley is the longest-tenured wide-out on the roster. His familiarity with the offense and experience gives him a slight edge if the Lions choose to keep five receivers.
Other than that, I’m not sure he lives up to the billing. The Lions waived him at one point last season before re-acquiring him, and though he showed promise in the preseason, struggled to get above the practice squad in two seasons.
Chris Lacy
This is a name to watch. The Patriots signed him one day after April’s draft and waived him a week later. The Lions claimed him immediately. Though his college statistics are not ground-breaking, his measurables are impressive. When the opportunity came to put them on display at the NFL Combine, Lacy demonstrated some nice athleticism, running a 4.49 forty-yard dash.
At 6’3” and 205 pounds, he is one of the Lions more physical specimens at the position, with Golladay the only taller receiver on the roster.
Next: Running back roster prediction
The Lions will keep the Joneses, Golladay, and Tate. Billingsley and Lacey will determine their own fates. This will be one of the most intriguing camp battles.