Don’t let his rookie season stats fool you, 24 year-old Kenny Golladay has all the makings to be the Detroit Lions next superstar wide receiver.
With the 96th pick in the 2017 NFL draft, the Detroit Lions selected wide receiver Kenny Golladay. The former Northern Illinois Husky caught 21 touchdowns during his two-year college career, which caught the eye of Lions general manager Bob Quinn. Golladay quickly captured the hearts of Lions fans, who have been yearning for a replacement since the day ex-Lion’s receiver Calvin Johnson retired.
The 24 year-old wide out has been blessed with all the physical attributes required to be a superstar receiver in the NFL. Golladay is 6’4″ and weighs in at around 218 pounds. He ran a 4.50 40-yard dash at the NFL combine just a year ago.
Former NFL standouts are impressed by the young Motor City wide out
Former Cincinnati Bengal’s wide receiver Chad “Ocho-Cinco” Johnson spent some time at the Detroit Lions training camp last summer. Kenny Golladay seemed to catch the attention of the former NFL standout.
That young boul Golloday has that "IT" factor ®
— Chad Johnson (@ochocinco) August 4, 2017
The rookie shined in his Motor City debut. Golladay caught two touchdowns in the Lions 35-23 victory over the Arizona Cardinals. One of those touchdowns being a spectacular diving catch that resulted in a 45-yard touchdown reception.
Unfortunately, Golladay suffered a hamstring injury which plagued him for the majority of his rookie season. After scoring two touchdowns in his Lions debut, the Chicago native would end the season only scoring once more. That came in the final game of the season against the Green Bay Packers. Not just any old touchdown either, it was a 54-yard highlight real reception from quarterback Matthew Stafford.
Golladay ended the season hauling in a total of 28 passes for 477 yards. But in Golladay’s case – numbers aren’t important, at least for now. Golladay has all the assets to be the Detroit Lions next superstar if he can remain healthy.
Catching passes from one of the NFL’s elite quarterbacks
Not only does he have all the physical key assets to become a superstar wide receiver, he’s also got one of the NFL’s best quarterbacks throwing him passes. Stafford has thrown for over 4,000 yards in the past seven straight seasons. Having a 6’4″ option with the speed to leave DB’s in the dust will only help that streak to continue in the coming years.
As time goes on Golladay’s will continue to grow into a household name. Ford Field will be filled with young kids sporting the #19 Honolulu blue jersey. I’ve loved Golladay since his days of dominating in the MAC conference, Bob Quinn made an excellent choice in snagging the future pro-bowler in the 3rd round of the 2017 draft.
Next: Lions 2018 draft must focus on defensive line
2018 Prediction
In his second season as a pro, Kenny Golladay will continue to develop into what he is destined to become. That’s a top 10 NFL wide receiver. He’ll score at least 7 touchdowns, haul in over 70 receptions, and total out at 1,000+ yards.