5 wide receivers Detroit Lions can sign or draft to fit Antwaan Randle El’s template

2. Mike Williams

Williams set career-highs for catches (76) and yards (1,146) in 2021 for the Chargers, along with nine touchdowns (second-best of his career). After years of never quite putting it all together, the numbers finally showed the former top-10 pick’s full potential–which isn’t to say he didn’t have some down games, and he had just one touchdown from Week 6-Week 15.

Wiliams worked alongside the underappreciated Keenan Allen for years with the Chargers, and his skill set could fit similarly well with Amon-Ra St. Brown in Detroit.

Williams can be frustratingly up-and-down. But he is absolutely the physical profile (6-foot-4) and downfield threat Randle El envisions for the “X” receiver role. The Lions should be a significant free agent suitor here.

1. Allen Robinson

One of the most underrated wide receivers in the league for years, Robinson is coming off a rough 2021 season with the Chicago Bears (38 receptions for 410 yards, one touchdown in 12 games). It’s not a good note to hit the free agent market on, but the Detroit native is easy to see as match for the Lions.

Robinson (6-foot-2, 220 pounds), is a reliable all-around threat and a No. 1 wide receiver by reputation and past production even if 2021 was a dud. Via Pro Football Focus, the numbers don’t lie.

Robinson has the most contested catches among wide receivers over the last four seasons (71), as of November he hadn’t dropped a red zone target since the 2016 season and entering the 2021 season he hadn’t dropped a downfield target (20-plus yards) since that same 2016 campaign.

The Lions may be able to sign Robinson at a relative bargain compared to what he could’ve gotten a year ago had Chicago not franchise tagged him. That reinforces what already looks like a really good fit.