6 Wide Receivers Lions Should Watch at NFL Combine
The Detroit Lions have assembled the ingredients of a strong receiving corps in the NFL Draft over the last three seasons.
In Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams, Detroit has two skilled wideouts that bring different elements to the table. St. Brown is a three-level threat who has plenty of savvy, while Williams is a burner capable of taking the top off the defense.
However, the team has question marks heading into the offseason. Josh Reynolds and Donovan Peoples-Jones are both unrestricted free agents, meaning the Lions will have to decide whether to retain them or seek external options.
If they choose to let Reynolds and Peoples-Jones walk, they could fill their voids in the draft. There are a number of intriguing options available in this year's crop of receivers.
Here are six wideouts the Lions should scout at the NFL scouting combine, which begins Tuesday.
Rome Odunze, Washington
Odunze is expected to be one of the first receivers off the board, so the Lions would have to trade up to acquire him. However, he's one of the most intriguing skill players in the draft, and would be a superb addition to Ben Johnson's offense.
At 6-foot-3 and with a strong build, Odunze is a physical outside receiver who excels tracking deep passes and winning contested catches. He's also expected to test extremely well in Indianapolis, and show off his athletic prowess.
As a true "X" receiver, the Washington product has numerous traits that will translate well to the NFL level.
Keon Coleman, Florida State
Another "X" prospect near the top of the position group is Coleman, who is more likely to be available when it's the Lions' turn to pick late in the first round.
Coleman is a true athlete, having spent time on Michigan State's basketball team early in his college career. After transferring to Florida State, he took his game to an elite level after starring with the Spartans.
The wideout has put a variety of highlight catches on tape, while showcasing high-level leaping ability and plenty of athleticism. He also handled punt return duties with the Seminoles.
With a variety of skills, Coleman has tools to contribute right away, and would fit perfectly with the speed of Williams and savvy of St. Brown.
Adonai Mitchell, Texas
Mitchell garnered a reputation as a big-game player during his time in college. While at Georgia and later with Texas, he scored touchdowns in all five of his playoff game appearances.
He's another strong athlete. While he doesn't have the compact frame that the top wideouts possess, he has elite athleticism, plus uses his leaping ability to secure 50-50 balls.
Mitchell put himself on a national radar early in the 2023 season, with two touchdown grabs in a win over Alabama. Listed at 6-foot-4, he would be another big wideout that could complement Detroit's downfield passing game nicely.
Brenden Rice, USC
Rice will enter the NFL under a big shadow, as he is the son of NFL great Jerry Rice. He carved out a nice career for himself in college. Beginning at Colorado, he leveled up over the last two seasons at USC, and finished the 2023 season with 12 touchdowns.
He has the potential to be a solid pro, as he has a good build and was utilized as a deep threat for the Trojans. However, the challenge with that is that he struggled to garner yards after the catch.
He has a chance to quell those concerns with a strong showing in Indianapolis. Rice has the pedigree and proven ability, but can boost his stock even more with a strong showing at the combine.
Johnny Wilson, Florida State
Wilson is a very intriguing prospect based on size alone. Standing 6-foot-6, he projects as a red-zone threat, but also has the ability to be a downfield burner.
Another transfer, he stepped up his game in two years with the Seminoles. After a modest start to his career, he totaled over 1,500 yards in two years at Florida State.
If the Lions are looking for a red-zone threat, Wilson is among the best options. At his size, he can really jump up draft boards if he tests well next week.
Luke McCaffrey, Rice
McCaffrey, the brother of 49ers standout Christian McCaffrey, has taken a unique path to the precipice of the NFL. Starting his career as a quarterback at Nebraska, he began changing positions a year after transferring to Rice.
In two years at receiver for the Owls, he produced a combined 1,715 receiving yards. He's proven to be a natural at the position, and still has room to grow. This developmental ability is enticing for a team looking to take a chance on a late-round pick.
If the Lions elect to address their other needs earlier in the draft, then taking a late-round flyer on a player like McCaffrey may wind up paying dividends.
