Detroit Lions: Battling it out for the fifth wide receiver spot
Deontez Alexander
Alexander is anything but a well-known name, coming out of Division III Franklin College. Don’t let that fool you, however, as Alexander is a top-notch athlete.
UDFA WR Deontez Alexander is fast becoming a fan favorite for the #Lions after he was picked up and it's easy to see why. Good size, but great speed, explosion, and agility for his position, culminating in an elite #RAS at WR. pic.twitter.com/fv5G72qbBW
— Kent Lee Platte (@MathBomb) May 15, 2018
It’s not often you find a 6-foot-2 receiver running a 4.35 40-yard dash, not to mention putting up all the other athletic numbers Alexander posted. Nonetheless, as a Division III prospect, Alexander is bound to be extremely raw and will face a steep learning curve entering the league.
There will undoubtedly be a lot of hype surrounding Alexander in training camp, and showing flashes of potential could land him a spot on the practice squad.
Everyone Else
Others fighting for a spot at wide receiver include rookies Brandon Powell from Florida and Chris Lacy from Oklahoma State, as well as sophomores Dontez Ford from Pittsburgh and Andy Jones from Jacksonville.
None of them are likely to have a real shot at making their mark. Lacy has a large 6-foot-3, 205-pound frame, but subpar athleticism. Powell received $44,000 guaranteed, the most of any Lions UDFA. As a whole, not much else stands out about this group as the sophomores have yet to make a mark in the league and the rookies are on the latter end of their class when it comes to their skills.
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Training camp has yet to begin, but some players have already begun establishing themselves in the battle for the fifth wide receiver spot. No matter who comes out on top, it’s bound to be fun to watch.