NFL Draft rumors: Lions showing a lot of interest in standout SEC wide receiver

Coming out of the NFL Combine, the Detroit Lions are reportedly showing a lot of interest in a wide receiver out of the SEC. 

There’s no doubt the Detroit Lions will overturn every stone to try to upgrade at wide receiver this offseason, and if wide receivers coach Antwaan Randle El has anything to say about it they’ll sign one in free agency and draft two to add competition to the mix.

With the NFL Combine now in the books, the Lions got a look at a deep wide receiver group in Indianapolis as they shape their evaluation of prospects they might like to take in April. With their draft positions, who’ll be available at certain picks and possible moves around the draft board in mind, there’s no such thing as someone they wouldn’t pay at least some consideration to.

Lions reportedly showing a lot of interest in wide receiver out of the SEC

As part of a broader rumors column from Indianapolis over the weekend, Tony Pauline of Pro Football Network reported the Lions are showing a lot of interest in a wide receiver out of the SEC.

"Kentucky receiver Wan’Dale Robinson ran much faster than expected in the 40-yard dash, timing under 4.40 seconds. He’s getting a lot of love in the scouting community. As I mentioned before the receiver took the field for Combine workouts, he’s drawing comparisons to Rondale Moore based on his size, quickness, and ability to create yardage after the catch. The Detroit Lions have shown a lot of interest in Robinson."

Wan’Dale Robinson has drawn comparisons to Deebo Samuel, despite being a lot smaller (5-foot-8, 178 pounds at the combine). He had 104 receptions for 1,334 yards (both second in the SEC) and seven touchdowns last season, his lone season at Kentucky, and he showed versatility with 134 rushing attempts over two previous seasons at Nebraska.

Robinson looks like a Day 2 pick (Round 2 or Round 3). His official 40-yard dash time came in at 4.44 seconds, and a comparison to Arizona Cardinals receiver Rondale Moore feels more apt than a comparison to Samuel.

It’s worth noting, as pointed to by Pride of Detroit, that former and now current Rams assistant Liam Coen was the offensive coordinator at Kentucky last season. Lions general manager Brad Holmes of course shares a Rams connection with Coen, and may be getting extra insight into Robinson. In any case, the former Wildcat looks to be firmly on the Lions’ radar as they consider all options at wide receiver.