Ranking the Detroit Lions among NFC North skill position groups post-draft

Detroit Lions

Running Backs: D’Andre Swift, Jamaal Williams
Wide Receivers: Amon-Ra St. Brown, DJ Chark, Jameson Williams, Kalif Raymond
Tight End: T.J.Hockenson

This is certainly a shock to some, but I think it’s an easy choice to put the Lions at No. 2 in these rankings. With arguably the second-best running back in the division when healthy in Swift, and a beefed-up receiver group, the Lions moved past the Packers this offseason in this ranking. Swift is a quick and smart runner who has elite athleticism and he’ll be running behind an above-average offensive line. He is backed up by Jamaal Williams, who is a solid all-around player.

The wide receiver group had two big additions this offseason in Chark, in free agency, and Williams, who the Lions traded up for in the draft. Chark is a big-time red-zone threat who was plagued by bad quarterback play in Jacksonville. Goff isn’t a huge upgrade but he does have more pedigree than guys Chark has played with in the past. Williams is recovering from a torn ACL, but reports are that he is making great progress. When healthy, he is a down-field threat that can stretch defenses to make room on the field for everyone else.

This group is really anchored by two carryovers, in St. Brown and Hockenson. St. Brown was a breakout star late last year as an all-around threat. He was clearly a huge steal in last year’s draft (fourth round), and looks to have top-tier receiver potential.

Hockenson missed the final five games last season, but still topped 60 catches for the second straight campaign. No one denies the talent he has. He is a middle-of-the-field disruptor for defenses to have to worry about. He just needs to stay healthy this year.