What Romeo Okwara staying while Kenny Golladay walks means

Did the Lions make the right call?

This takes us to the other side of the fence. Kenny Golladay was a play-maker for the Lions. Sure he had some injury issues while here in Motown, but when he was on the field he was a dangerous weapon.

If Golladay becomes a better route runner, he will increase his ability to separate from defensive backs and be almost unstoppable. But he was a luxury that the Lions couldn’t afford. Especially in a rebuild.

Some people believe the Lions made the wrong call on Golladay, but here’s the thing; how many Super Bowls did the Patriots win with no-name receivers? Consider the Chiefs, they don’t have great receivers, but they almost all have super-speed.

Tyreek Hill is a major weapon more for his ability to run away from defenders than he is for snagging the ball away from defensive backs. Again, this isn’t a knock against Hill, but what he brings to an offense is different from what Golladay brings to the table.

Golladay will make plays down the field and win more 50/50 balls than the majority of the other receivers in the NFL, but Hill can run past defenders without effort and can turn a short pass into a scoring strike with lightning-quick moves and a burst of super-speed.

The point is this; productive receivers come in all shapes and sizes. Golladay was too expensive for a rebuilding team and the draft is loaded with receivers. If the Lions can add one quality pass-catcher in the draft and a cost-effective receiver in free agency or a trade, then they will have a good start at rebuilding the position.

This is the time that we will get to see what kind of Midas touch Brad Holmes has. Finding gems in free agency and the draft is a key ingredient for building contenders. That is how you keep the salary cap manageable and create a legitimate contender all at once.

The addition of running back Jamaal Williams in free agency and the trade for defensive tackle Michael Brockers are the types of fiscally responsible moves that will help turnaround the Lions in addition to good drafting.

Next season the Lions will most likely not be competing for a divisional title or world championship, but if they can field some young players with promise, then it will be a step in the right direction.

With that said, the defense needs a good player like Okwara’s at a premium position to help turn the ebbing tide of what has been a pathetic defense. So while Golladay would bring play-making ability to the offense, he will be easier and more cost-effective to replace than Romeo Okwara.