Detroit Lions Training Camp Preview: Wide Receiver

Kris Durham

Durham was thrown into a dumpster fire last year being asked to play opposite of Calvin Johnson full-time. He accounted for 10 total drops on 48 catchable passes via Pro Football Focus, which was one of the worst drop rates in the NFL.

There won’t be as much pressure on Durham’s hands (pun intended) if he does find his way onto the final 53-man roster. He’ll likely just be there for depth and possibly serve as a red-zone target due to his height.

Chances of making final roster: 50% (bad showing last year, but wouldn’t be asked to do as much)

Corey Fuller

Fuller was drafted in the sixth round by the Lions last year and was thought to be a raw prospect that would take a few years to develop. He spent all of last year on the practice squad and struggled with getting separation in the passing game.

What Fuller has going for him is his tall frame and elite speed relative to his size. If he can find a way to get open and hold onto the ball then he could be a major asset for the Lions moving forward.

Chances of making final roster: 15% (another year on the practice squad to develop)

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With the First Pick

Patrick Edwards

If you’re a Patrick Edwards fan, then this is probably your favorite time of the year. Edwards has received a ton of praise over the past few years during training camp, but for some reason just could never turn that into a successful preseason performance.

Last year Edwards ended up making the final cuts, only to be released and signed back onto the practice squad after week 6.

If my memory serves me well, Edwards will not be practice squad eligible this year, and will need to make it past the final cuts if he wants to remain a Detroit Lion any longer.

Chances of making final roster: 10% (long-shot)

Cody Wilson

This is where we get to the players who are likely considered as “camp bodies”. Wilson is eligible for the practice squad and could spend another year there. If he wants a spot on the final roster he’ll likely have to battle it out with Jeremy Ross.

Wilson has great hands and can return punts, but he has a lot to prove if he wants to dress up on Sunday’s.

Chances of making final roster: 2% (big long-shot, practice squad eligible)

Andrew Peacock

Peacock is a 5’10 receiver who will likely be competing for a spot as a depth receiver who can play the slot. It may be a long-shot, but when you consider Broyles’ health concerns, Ross being a return specialist, and Jones being a rookie, Peacock could earn a spot if he impresses during camp.

Chances of making final roster: 2% (overabundance of slot receivers on roster)

Naaman Roosevelt

Roosevelt is a long-shot to make the Lions roster. He’s been in the league for four years now and was one of the final cuts for the Cleveland Browns last year. He was signed in April after trying out for the Lions.

Chances of making final roster: 1% (too many players above him)

Did They Improve?

No doubt about it.

The addition of Golden Tate immediately improves the wide receiver position since last year. The Lions dealt with too many injuries and had no depth behind Megatron. This is the healthiest Ryan Broyles has been for the Lions in July, and he’s having an extremely successful rehab.

Martin Mayhew and the front offense have done a solid job addressing their offensive needs this year. Expect to see a supercharged offense this year.

Training Camp Preview Series: Quarterback, Running Back, Fullback