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Lions addition of local product could bolster wide receiver room

The Detroit Lions could land a local wide receiver product to improve their offense heading into the 2026 season.
ByCaden Handwork|
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Michigan wide receiver Donaven McCulley (1) warms up before the Central Michigan game at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025.
Michigan wide receiver Donaven McCulley (1) warms up before the Central Michigan game at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025. | Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson, following the recent departure of offensive lineman Graham Glasgow, remains the lone player on Detroit’s roster who played their college career at the University of Michigan. 

As the Lions approach the 2026 NFL Draft, they soon could select Michigan star wide receiver Donaven McCulley, who recently had a 30 visit with Detroit. McCulley’s visit with the Lions came following a completed private workout with the New Orleans Saints, per On3’s Pete Nakos. 

This past season, McCulley was second on the Wolverines in receiving behind freshman star Andrew Marsh, recording 39 receptions for 588 yards and three touchdowns. 

Before transferring to the Wolverines for the 2025 season, McCulley spent three seasons with the Indiana Hoosiers, finishing his college career with 105 receptions for 1,422 yards and 11 touchdowns. 

How would Donaven McCulley fit with the Lions?

If the Lions were to select McCulley in the draft, it would likely be on day three. McCulley would be joining a talented wide receiver room for the Lions. If the Lions select him, it would be interesting to see what his role with the team is heading into the 2026 season. 

With his athleticism and speed, McCulley has the potential to have a role on a talented Lions offense that could benefit from selecting a wide receiver, especially following the departure of Kalif Raymond to the Chicago Bears. 

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Despite the Lions missing the playoffs and finishing last in the NFC North with a 9-8 overall record, wide receivers Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams look to build off their 1,000-yard-plus receiving seasons. 

Rookie Isaac TeSlaa also looks to take a major leap forward after an impressive rookie season for the Lions, recording 16 receptions for 239 yards and six touchdowns. In the aftermath of losing Raymond to the Bears, the Lions brought in former Arizona Cardinals veteran wide receiver Greg Dorth, who played under new Lions offensive coordinator Drew Petzing. 

Following a free agency period that has received its fair share of mixed reviews from fans, Lions general manager Brad Holmes looks to capitalize on another successful draft in hopes of getting Detroit back to first place in the NFC North, setting up a potential Super Bowl run.

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