5 wide receivers Detroit Lions can sign or draft to fit Antwaan Randle El’s template
![MINNEAPOLIS, MN - JANUARY 09: Allen Robinson #12 of the Chicago Bears heads to the locker room before the game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium on January 9, 2022 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images) MINNEAPOLIS, MN - JANUARY 09: Allen Robinson #12 of the Chicago Bears heads to the locker room before the game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium on January 9, 2022 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/5f784dcb0dcd5951bb5a9d7bdcee0016bfbab67d408e3bfe01e3cd27a8e23a54.jpg)
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.
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