Detroit Lions draft: Three Day 3 Holmes-qualified wide receivers

3 Wide Receiver Prospects for Day 3

1. Seth Williams, Auburn

The former Tigers playmaker has the outside size at 6-3 and 211-pounds. While his burst off of the line isn’t great, his 20-yard split time of 2.59-seconds, according to the Relative Athletic Scores website is above average and a good measuring stick for wideouts.  For size, explosion, and speed he received a high grade, as well.

Overall, he ran a 4.49-second sprint, but his shuttle and 3-cone times were slower than target measures. However, he’s been a go-to guy at Auburn and amassed 2,124 yards, and 17 touchdowns on 132 receptions (16.1 average). Production and his combination of size, speed, and explosion (37.0-inch vertical, 10-feet-4-inches broad jump) make him a Day 3 guy worth looking at.

2. Josh Palmer, Tennessee

Palmer fits the Rams-style mold of player at the position at 6-1 and change in height. The 210-pound prospect has grown up in the SEC and has 99 receptions to his credit. His 1,514 yards receiving and 7 touchdowns have been earned despite Tennessee’s carousel of quarterbacks and general lack of spectacular play from under center.

Palmer was the number one option in the Volunteer passing attack and averaged 14.4 yards-per-reception. He was rated as having good measurements in every area by his Relative Athletic Score (RAS) ratings, including a 4.51-seconds sprint, 6.98-seconds 3-cone time, and a 10-foot-4-inch broad jump.

He is another productive prospect from an SEC program who could do well under Detroit Lions offensive coordinator, Anthony Lynn.

3. Marlon Williams, UCF

Marlon Williams is a former Central Florida prospect who fits the bill for some less obvious reasons. He passes the eye test, at just over 5-11, 209-pounds, but the book might seem to be closed if you only look at his timed tests or combine/ pro day results.

Isn’t that what this article is doing?

Not exactly; timed tests are part of how to judge a player. Williams has several really productive years that culminated in his senior year stat line of 71 receptions, 1,039 yards, and 10 touchdowns. His 40-yard dash was a below-average 4.62-seconds (1.61-seconds 10-yard split),  and his short shuttle was just abysmal at 4.57-seconds.

What we can see is that some guys don’t test well but still can play and that is the recipe for a guy dropping to a later round, potentially. While we consulted RAS scores, the Sports Reference website, and Draft Scout for information, Williams will have to prove that he is worth a roster spot to whatever team gambles on him late; is his production worth more than his measurable talent?

His vertical jump was just 33.5-inches, his broad jump was slightly better at 9-11, but it’s important to remember that most of those are within acceptable minimums for the position. Given Williams’ status as the No.1 receiver on his team (he had 51 receptions in 2019, too), coupled with his basic physical tools, and you might find a guy who can be a serviceable player on the last day of the draft.

3 Detroit Lions Honorable mentions

These players have higher athletic upside or just fit the mold.

Jacob Harris, UCF, 6-5, 219, 4.43 (40), 15 (lifts), 40.5″(vert), 11-1 (broad), 6.51 (3-cone)
Jalen Camp, Georgia Tech., 6-2, 226, 4.48 (40), 30 (lifts), 39.5″(vert), 10-5 (broad), 4.14 (SS)
Cornell Powell, Clemson, 6-0, 204, 4.53 (40), 16 (lifts), 36.5″(vert), 10-8 (broad), 4.21 (SS)