Detroit Lions reportedly land 6-foot-8 slot receiver as UDFA
The Detroit Lions are reportedly signing a 6-foot-8, 243-pound slot receiver with the potential to revolutionize the position in the Motor City.
Going into this offseason, the Detroit Lions knew they would need some help at slot receiver. Last year, the Lions opted to trade away wide receiver Golden Tate to the Philadelphia Eagles for a 2019 third round selection. With a void at the position, Detroit elected to sign veteran free agent receiver Danny Amendola in free agency.
But the Lions inked the 33-year old Amendola to only a one-year deal, making him far from a long term solution. Certainly, Detroit is hoping last year’s impressive rookie, Brandon Powell, might take a step in his development to eventually earn that starting role. Also, expect newly signed veteran wideout Tommylee Lewis to be in the mix as well.
Yet, there is another intriguing possibility to consider for the future at the slot receiver position in the Motor City. And although it may be a long shot, this player has the potential to revolutionize how fans view the slot in Detroit.
According to TheAthletic’s Greg Auman, the Lions have agreed to sign undrafted rookie free agent Donald Parham out of Stetson. Listed as a tight end prospect, the 6-foot-8, 243 pound Parham is actually believed to be a better slot receiver.
As you can see from the below video, the Hatters used the Goliath Parham out of the slot with great success. And for a player his size, the human mismatch has surprising speed to break away from defenders. Last season, Parham posted a ridiculous stat line of 85 receptions for 1,319 yards and 13 touchdowns in only nine games.
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Obviously, Donald Parham is an undrafted free agent rookie for a reason. Playing against questionable competition, his slight frame, and a lack of a real route tree are all legitimate concerns. But Parham does have great hands and is obviously a size mismatch out of the slot. If the Detroit Lions can find a way to utilize his strengths while building up his weaknesses, they may have found themselves a hidden gem in free agency.