Detroit Lions 2018 Roster Review: Wide Receivers
The Detroit Lions wide receiver corps is one of the strongest positional groups on the team. Let’s look at the current roster and project any needs in 2018.
The Detroit Lions‘ wide receiver corps is one of the best positional units on this current team. And is it any wonder when you have the NFL’s highest paid player under center on an offense that, at times, refused to run the football last season.
But that’s no fault of this talented unit, who has a trio of receivers who range from the reliable veteran, to the rising superstar and a rookie sensation. With an eye on 2018, let’s look at the Lions current roster and any upcoming free agents to determine the status of these receivers in the Motor City.
Wide Receivers
Roster
Marvin Jones Jr.
Kenny Golladay
Andy Jones
Dontez Ford
Golden Tate
Bradley Marquez
Free Agents
T.J. Jones (RFA)
Jace Billingsley (ERFA)
Analysis
When talking about the Lions’ wide receiver corps, it starts with the big three. Golden Tate continued at his normal pace for Detroit, recording 90+ catches for more than 1,000 receiving yards. It’s par for the course for Tate, who is now entering his fifth season with the Lions. 2018 is a contract year for the 29-year old as well.
Opposite of Tate is Marvin Jones Jr. – The 27-year old was a more consistent playmaker in his second season in the Motor City. Jones more than doubled his touchdown total from last year and posted the first 1,000-yard season of his six-year career.
Then there’s Kenny Golladay, the Lions’ third round selection out of Northern Illinois is a human highlight reel. Golladay flashed superstar ability in his rookie season, but was far too inconsistent. Much like Jones last year, we need to see more consistency from the 24-year old. But fans have to be excited about his future in Detroit.
Next: Detroit Lions: Best and Worst of 2017 (part 2)
Beyond this talented trio, I believe restricted free agent T.J. Jones showed enough last year to justify sticking to this roster another season. And free agent Jace Billingsley ping-ponged back and forth from the practice squad to the active roster last season. But the diminutive domino has been a preseason stud. Although that hasn’t translated to the regular season yet, I believe it’s worth bringing him back to find out if it can.