Detroit Lions: WR depth takes a hit without T.J. Jones
The Detroit Lions starters at wide receiver are downright scary for opposing defenses, but depth is now an issue if T.J. Jones goes elsewhere.
We know the Detroit Lions starting wide receivers are primed for an amazing 2018 season. Veterans Marvin Jones and Golden Tate were joined by a solid rookie Kenny Golladay in 2017.
On paper, the trio is something opposing defenses will need to give extra preparation to keep in check. The problems could come when they aren’t on the field.
Some news from here at th combine: Lions don’t plan to tender TJ Jones (or any of the brother RFAs most likely). Still chance they bring TJ back. He had a nice year last season for Lions
— Dave Birkett (@davebirkett) March 1, 2018
Per Dave Birkett’s tweet, solid depth at the wide receiver position might be lost to free agency. Lions wide receiver T.J. Jones had a solid year as the #4 receiver for the team. He posted 30 receptions for 399 yards and a touchdown in 14 games. He essentially doubled his production from his previous two years combined.
If Jones finds a new home, where do the Lions stand at the position behind their unquestioned starters? Players with potential, but mostly question marks. Entering his fourth year at wide receiver, Bradley Marquez has 16 career receptions, but zero in 2017. Rookie receivers Andy Jones and Jace Billingsley failed to record a reception in their first year.
This is why Jones was so valuable and important to the Lions in 2017. He was able to step in to give a breather to one of the big three starters without giving defenses a break. This also highlights why one of the strongest positional groups on the team might still need some work before the 2018 season kicks off.
New Lions head coach Matt Patricia might be looking to turn someone like Billingsley into his own version of Julian Edelman or Wes Welker. This role is currently filled by Tate, but depth is the key issue here. This player wouldn’t be expected to start, but he would be expected to come in without a significant drop off in talent.
Next: Detroit Lions Pre-Free Agency 4-round mock
It’s unlikely the Lions address this position group in the draft with limited picks and larger needs on the roster. Look for the team to grab a low cost or undrafted free agent to bring depth to this position this offseason. There are worse issues to be dealing with, but losing Jones wouldn’t be insignificant for this team.