Should the Detroit Lions have sacrificed the trenches for receivers?

The receiving corps is a major concern

There are two areas that almost everyone sees as particularly weak and will hinder the Lions’ ability to win games this fall, although no one should forget the linebacker needs as well.

The first is the secondary. Yes, there still needs to be more talent pumped into it, however, it is serviceable. Would we like someone with more ability opposite of Tracy Walker at safety? Absolutely. I think Walker will bounce back with a vengeance in Aaron Glenn’s defense, but there is legitimate concern surrounding Dean Marlowe and Will Harris.

I also have concerns about the depth in the secondary as well. On the surface, they are only a couple of injuries away from real trouble but only so much can be done in one offseason and we will have to hope for the best.

The other major concern is the receiver position.

Let’s be honest, this appears to be the weakest position on the team. there are a couple of names that we are familiar with, but they are surrounded by questions.

Tyrell Williams is probably expected to be the Lions’ top outside receiver. This isn’t a complete misnomer because Williams has the ability to stretch the defense as well as turn short passes into big plays.

But can Williams overcome his history of injuries to be on the field consistently enough to be that threat?

Then there’s Breshad Perriman. The son of former Lions standout receiver Brett has plenty of physical gifts, especially speed. He has also been inconsistent and hasn’t lived up to his status as a former first-round pick.

Now Perriman has played on three teams in the last three years and put up encouraging albeit not overwhelming numbers. Much like the last couple of years, there will be a feeling-out process, but it also doesn’t help to be playing on a new team every year. Can he assimilate and be productive?

Rookie Amon-Ra St. Brown is a tough receiver with a chip on his shoulder who quite frankly was considered a steal in the fourth round. St. Brown is mature and works hard. He may pay dividends sooner rather than later.

Then there is Quintez Cephus. The second-year receiver did make some plays as a rookie, and while he doesn’t possess game-changing speed, he runs solid routes and has fairly reliable hands. How much of a jump will he take in his second season?

Could more have been done to improve the receiving corps? Yes, but at what cost.