The Detroit Lions offense has consistently ranked among the top in the league over the past two seasons, with a particular focus on their effective run game. However, their passing attack, led by quarterback Jared Goff, has also been highly successful. Goff has skillfully distributed the ball to a talented receiving corps, with Amon-Ra St. Brown as the standout player. As the offseason approaches, let’s examine the Lions’ situation at the wide receiver position.
Amon-Ra St. Brown achieved his second consecutive 1,000-yard season, setting new personal records for receptions, yards, and touchdowns. In his third season, the USC product surpassed 1,500 yards, solidifying his status as one of the league’s elite receivers. St. Brown was a key contributor to first downs, with 93 of his 141 catches moving the chains. Known for his relentless work ethic, it’s unlikely that he will be content with his early success. The optimism for the Lions extends beyond St. Brown, as second-year wideout Jameson Williams displayed impressive skills during his extended playing time. Williams showcased his exceptional speed, culminating in a standout performance with his first multi-touchdown game in the NFC Championship.
In that game, Williams scored a 42-yard touchdown on an end-around play and added a receiving touchdown late in the contest. His hands and route running improved significantly throughout the season, setting high expectations for him in 2024. With Williams avoiding drops in his last 11 games after a shaky start, offensive coordinator Ben Johnson found unique ways to involve him, promising an exciting display next season. The potential dominance of St. Brown and Williams as the top two wideouts for the Lions seems promising.
While Josh Reynolds had a solid season as a secondary wideout, contributing 608 receiving yards and five touchdowns, his impending free agency poses a decision for the Lions. The coaching staff praises Reynolds for his work ethic and versatility, but the team must weigh the cost of retaining him. If Reynolds departs, the Lions will need to find a suitable replacement to complement St. Brown and Williams. Additionally, the team must make decisions regarding Donovan Peoples-Jones, who made a quiet impact after joining the team midseason.
Peoples-Jones provides valuable depth and played a significant role returning punts in the playoffs. However, the Lions need reliable depth at the wide receiver position moving forward. Kalif Raymond, though signed to a two-year extension, contributes sparingly on offense. Antoine Green is a potential option, but his limited playing time raises questions. If the Lions opt to address the wide receiver position in the draft, mid-round prospects like Michigan’s Roman Wilson and Alabama’s Jermaine Burton, known for their big-play ability, could fit well into Johnson’s system.
The question arises: Can Jameson Williams rise to become the Lions’ number two receiver? While he showed improvement throughout the season, he faces a new challenge as the team considers elevating him to the second option. Williams possesses elite field-stretching ability with his speed, but there is still room for growth, especially in his connection on deep passes. Despite catching only five of 16 targets beyond 20 yards this season, two resulting in touchdowns, the expectation is that this deep connection will develop further as Williams gains more experience. With his promising development, all indications point toward him playing a more significant role in the Lions’ offense in 2024.