After Calvin retired, the receiving corps for Detroit looked depleted headed into the offseason. With a struggling Corey Fuller, T.J. Jones, injured tight end group, and Tate preparing to shoulder the load, the Lions were preparing to lean on the run more in 2016 and rely heavily on Matthew Stafford. The first two games of the 2016 preseason have changed the view completely on the Lions receiving group. Consistency at the top of the depth chart, and playmaking ability at the bottom have 10 Lions in an all out fight for what seems to be just five or six roster spots.
The Ones
The top three spots are held by Golden Tate and the two free agent acquisitions, Marvin Jones and Anquan Boldin. It hasn’t taken any time at all for Stafford to get used to them either. Jones has absolutely lit it up so far, with not one but two excellent catches on the sideline showing excellent hands and field awareness. Jones finished Thursday’s preseason game with 4 catches and 65 yards on 5 targets. Tate has been quiet with only a few catches but his potential is known around these parts. Boldin, though only having 2 catches, has shown that he hasn’t lost too much of a step, and it will be interesting to see how he is utilized, especially with the lack of depth at TE. I refer to how Arizona utilized Larry Fitzjerald in 2015 as a slot receiving who often played a role as an extra blocker to set the edge. I fully expect these three to start on Sundays and be the main chunk of the receiving production this season.
The Toss Up
Now this is where it gets tricky. The main two receivers in this role are both free agent signings, Jeremy Kerley from New York, and Andre Roberts from Washington. Both being roughly the same frame have played well with edge going to Roberts. Roberts has played well with 3 receptions for 57 yards and a touchdown in the first preseason game as well as showing value as a kick returner. Kerley has had a few drops but has shown the ability to get open and is solid after the catch. Not to mention, right
behind them is UDFA Jace Billingsly who has become a preseason favorite. With elite speed and strength in such a small frame, Billingsly has shown excellent hands racking up 66 yards in two games as well as this touchdown in preseason week 1. I expect Billingsly to see more snaps with the 2nd team as he tries to prove he can provide a spark to the Lions offense. At worse, Billingsly can provide a practice squad body who can develop into an eventual member of the 53.
With T.J. Jones and Corey Fuller all but cut from this roster, the last two receivers looking to make their mark on the NFL are Jay Lee from Baylor, and Quinshad Davis out of UNC. Jay Lee who has impressed many in camp has yet to translate that success to game day, though he did haul in a nice slant and made a nice move to get up the field. Quinshad Davis also has been relatively ineffective with only a couple catches this preseason, it may not be enough to make the team. The thing about Davis and Lee is that both are over 6’2” and provide big targets for the quarterback, while the rest of the back up receivers are under 5’11”.
With what we have seen so far, my prediction for the roster is Tate, Jones, Boldin, Roberts, Kerley, and Lee. With both Billingsly and Davis making the practice squad. While I want to see Billingsly make the 53, I feel he would have to explode in the last few games to do so. Kerley and Roberts have played well and are veterans who can contribute solid depth to this roster. Lee has impressed in camp and his size and speed are a solid combination to have in the back pocket this season.