The Detroit Lions couldn't have asked for much more from their wide receivers during the 2024 NFL season.
Amon-Ra St. Brown was once again one of the NFL's best receivers, making 115 catches for 1263 yards and 12 touchdowns.
Jameson Williams also finally became the receiver the Lions were hoping he would be when they drafted him 12th overall in the 2022 NFL Draft.
In his third season he caught 58 passes for 1001 yards and seven TDs.
Their success makes head coach Dan Campbell's most recent request a bit of a surprise.
While speaking to the media at this year's owners meetings, Campbell revealed that he wants the team to get younger at wide receiver.
"Love that group."Dan Campbell said (via AtoZ Sports' Mike Payton). "We were fortunate that we got out last year, during the season, for the most part, unscathed, you know, I mean, as far as injuries and things of that nature, but for that group, TP (Tim Patrick) and Leaf (Kalif Raymond) and obviously Saint and Jamo, you know, those guys that we got have been big for us. We would love to bring in more competition, particularly some youth. You know that that would help."
St. Brown is currently 25 years old and Williams just celebrated his 24th birthday.
That likely means that any young receiver the team brings in is looking at WR3 being their best-case scenario for a while.
With that, the team should be waiting until at least day two for a wide receiver if they want to draft one.
This just isn't a great wide receiver class. Potentially the best player at the position might only be a part-time receiver. Everybody outside the top three at the position has serious red flags in their profile.
While the late first round options aren't the best, especially compared to last year's loaded receiver class, there could be some value in the middle rounds.
Jalen Royals is somebody that stands out as a solid day two fit for the Lions after he was impressively productive at Utah State the last two years.
Tre Harris can give the Lions another downfield threat after new offensive coordinator John Morton emphasized the importance of explosive plays.
Savion Williams would give the Lions a big body to eventually replace Tim Patrick in their WR3 role.
The Lions also have other, more pressing needs. There are questions about their right guard spot. Graham Glasgow is 32 and appears to be declining. They also still need a new edge rusher.
With wide receiver being far from one of the team's top priorities, the team should aim for one of these mid-round options instead of even considering taking a questionable option late in round one.
