On paper, the Detroit Lions have one of the top wide receiver units in the NFL Will offseason improvements could make it even better?
Getting a 1,000-yard receiver is fairly typical these days. The Detroit Lions had two with Golden Tate and Marvin Jones Jr.
Third round gem Kenny Golladay made an immediate impact as a rookie last season. When called upon, there might’ve been no pass catcher more reliable than T.J. Jones.
Those four guys make a formidable foursome. Jace Billingsley is the logic fifth receiver but he’ll face competition and is a bubble guy as it is. The Lions may not carry five receivers either.
So what’s not to like about this core? For me, I’m not completely sold.
There’s little doubt with their two best receivers. I’m more concerned with the others.
Golladay looked good when fed the rock but he struggled with staying healthy. A hamstring injury robbed the rookie of five games. By all accounts, he looks primed to breakout, especially with more muscle added to his frame.
Jones was more available (14 games) and better than ever before, but has always missed time with ailments. Bulking up last offseason and a strong 2017 season helped him get a one year contract to stick around potentially.
Billingsley is floating between the 53 man roster and the practice squad. He’s the typical number five receiver scratching and clawing his way to get involved on game days.
Despite the optimism, I’m not comfortable with the Lions’ depth entirely. They need more competition.
If Golladay is destined to be the third receiver, and Jones the fourth, make them earn it. Disaster could strike if this core isn’t made stronger.
This is the time of year where veterans come at very cheap prices. Detroit has plenty of funds to add a quality veteran with north of $9 million in cap space.
There’s no rush making Golladay the third guy and the Lions can certainly do better than Jones as the fourth option.
I’m not disputing their talents, because both players have a lot of it. If the Lions could improve the receiving core, wouldn’t you agree to it?
Let’s imagine Detroit signed another legitimate target in the passing game. If that player became the third receiver, that bumps the others down a spot. Golladay as the fourth and Jones as the fifth receivers would be scary good.
More importantly, if Tate and/or Jones Jr. were to go down, are any of the next best options capable of being the number one or number two receiver? I’d rather be safe than sorry and assume no.
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Feeling concerned is reasonable given the health issues of the depth behind the Lions’ two star receiving threats. It’s worth entertaining the idea as long as the price is right. Acquiring a veteran who’s experienced as a top pass catching target makes total sense.
I don’t believe things will go wrong, but planning proceeds performance. More of a precautionary measure than it is doubting who Detroit has as their backups.