Lions must draft competition for Jared Goff ASAP
Detroit Lions roster and system
Detroit Lions offensive coordinator, Anthony Lynn runs the ball and uses his running backs a lot. He likes to use more than one, thus signing Jamaal Williams away from the Green Bay Packers to serve as the other running back next to D’Andre Swift. Swift had 10 scores, 521-yards rushing, and 357-yards receiving as a rookie.
Swift should be in line for a big 2021 as a three-down threat because he has good hands on top of really good burst and time in a zone-blocking system similar to Lynn’s. Jamaal Williams had 505-yards rushing, 236-yards receiving, and three touchdowns total in 2020, all stats from Pro Football Reference’s website.
T.J. Hockenson is the best returning option in the passing game (723 yards, 6 TD’s), while Swift and Williams will get their touches through the air, as well. Tyrell Williams, who played for Lynn when he was with the Chargers, was signed to be the possession receiver and fill the Keenan Allen role in his offense. Unfortunately, Tyrell isn’t Keenan and he’s seen a drop in his production every year since his one 1,059-yard effort in 2016- while missing 2020 altogether with a shoulder injury.
Breshad Perriman is as fast of a man as there is in the NFL and is looking to improve upon his reputation that started with lofty expectations due to his speed and status as a first-round pick in Baltimore. In five years he has a total of 22 starts, 12 coming in 2020 with the New York Jets. He has settled in as a competent third option, compiling 66 receptions, 1,145 yards receiving, and 9 scores in his last two campaigns.
Behind them is rookie wideout, Amon-Ra St. Brown, who should see plenty of opportunities as the fourth-round bargain out of Southern Cal; he can line up in the slot or outside but is built more like a running back at 5-11, 197-pounds. St. Brown has some Golden Tate in his game and could create some dynamic plays if used well.
After that, Quintez Cephus is looking to improve upon a learning year as a rookie wide receiver where he flashed some ability. Tight end Darren Fells is a sneaky veteran who can get some catches as the No. 2 behind Hockenson. Those are Goff’s best weapons.
Looking at all of that and you have to say that the most likely outcome is that Goff’s numbers will be modest, perhaps better in fantasy circles if they are playing from behind, but not spectacular due to a limited set of receivers, especially. That’s not the recipe for calling the position “fixed” or declaring that we have found the franchise quarterback to replace Stafford.