Detroit Lions: 5 most interesting 2022 training camp battles

1. Wide Receiver

The Lions added notable pieces at wide receiver this offseason, signing DJ Chark to a “prove it” deal and making a big trade up in the first round of the draft to take Jameson Williams. Add those two to Amon-Ra St. Brown, and you’ve got a pretty nice-looking trio. Once Williams is healthy coming off a torn ACL in last season’s national title game for Alabama, of course.

Josh Reynolds was a solid contributor after being picked up midseason last year, and he was re-signed this offseason. Kalif Raymond, who got a bigger opportunity last year along with being an effective punt returner, was also re-signed.

The possibility Williams starts the season on the PUP list lingers over the Lions’ camp competition at wide receiver. Trinity Benson and Quintez Cephus could be competing for one spot on the 53-man roster heading into Week 1, with undrafted rookie Kalil Pimpleton a dark horse candidate to make a push for said roster spot–or even push Raymond.

Let’s say the Lions keep six wide receivers, then move to the idea Williams is able to play Week 1 but will obviously be eased into action, then five are locks to make the roster–Chark, Williams, St. Brown, Reynolds and Raymond.

Any way it’s looked at, the Lions have some riches at wide receiver and this group looks pretty good no matter who wins the camp battle(s). That’s quite a change from a year ago at this time, and right along the line of the competitive room receivers coach Antwaan Randle El said he wanted way back at the Senior Bowl.

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