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Detroit Lions: What’s Kenny Golladay’s next step in 2018?

By Brian Wallace

DETROIT, MI - DECEMBER 16: Kenny Golladay #19 of the Detroit Lions dives for a ball against the Chicago Bears during the first half at Ford Field on December 16, 2017 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - DECEMBER 16: Kenny Golladay #19 of the Detroit Lions dives for a ball against the Chicago Bears during the first half at Ford Field on December 16, 2017 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images) /
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Detroit Lions rookie wide receiver Kenny Golladay is on target for stardom in Year Two. But will he meet those lofty expectations?

As far as I can remember, the Detroit Lions have always had a good/great wide receiver on their roster. Okay, maybe not the mid-1980’s so much.

There is much hype surrounding Lions rookie wide receiver Kenny Golladay. Golladay was  drafted by the Lions from Northern Illinois University in the third round of the 2017 NFL draft.

Golladay bursted onto the scene Week One of the 2017 season as the Lions hosted the Arizona Cardinals. His two touchdown performance opened the eyes of the fans.

Like many rookies in the NFL, Golladay’s season would be full of ups and downs. Learning and teachable moments.

Many have him tabbed as the next big thing for the Lions offense. Former Detroit Lions wide receiver Nate Burleson called Golladay “a monster.”

If he is the Detroit offense will be downright scary next season. I have some stats from three former and one present Detroit Lions wide receiver to see if and how Kenny Golladay stacks up.

  • Charlie Sanders rookie season: 14 games, 40 receptions, 533 yards, 1 touchdown.
  • Herman Moore rookie season: 13 games, 11 receptions, 135 yards, 0 touchdowns.
  • Calvin Johnson rookie season: 15 games, 48 receptions, 746 yards, 4 touchdowns.
  • Golden Tate rookie season (Seattle Seahawks): 11 games, 21 receptions, 227 yards, 0 touchdowns.
  • Kenny Golladay rookie season: 11 games, 28 receptions, 477 yards, 3 touchdowns.

Does it translate? Will Golladay take that next step that people are predicting he will? That is a great unknown. The work he puts in will determine how much growth the Detroit Lions will see.

Next: The Detroit Lions All-Time Offensive Team

Kenny Golladay certainly looks like he has the tools to be a very good NFL wide receiver. Combined with Golden Tate and Marvin Jones Jr. if he does take that next step the Lions offense will be a nightmare for NFL secondary’s. Then fans will be able to sit back and enjoy the show.

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