Why Detroit Lions' Receivers Rank among League's Best
It was a banner year for the Detroit Lions' offense in 2022.
Under the leadership of first-year coordinator Ben Johnson, the Lions often overwhelmed their opponents with a vast and unique arsenal.
Quarterback Jared Goff played some of the best football of his career. He displayed a camaraderie with his receivers that made the offense difficult to contain.
Among the talent at Goff's disposal was emerging star Amon-Ra St. Brown. In his second professional season, St. Brown established himself as one of the NFL's best young receivers.
He finished the season with a 90.4 overall receiving grade, via Pro Football Focus, which ranked fourth among all active wide receivers.
This performance is a big reason why Detroit's receiving corps was the fifth-highest-graded unit in the NFL last season.
Detroit Lions wideout Amon-Ra St. Brown
© Dan Powers/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin / USA TODAY NETWORK
The group took a hit during the offseason, with DJ Chark electing to sign with the Carolina Panthers in free agency. However, the cupboard for talent is certainly not bare.
St. Brown enters his third year, ready to work toward All-Pro recognition. His talent is no secret, as he and Goff created a reliable connection.
The more uncertain part of the team's receiving corps is Jameson Williams, who is entering his second season essentially and with a clean slate.
After spending the majority of the season rehabbing a torn ACL suffered in college, Williams took the field for the season's final seven games.
There were flashes of what he brings to the table — game-breaking speed. His only catch was a 41-yard touchdown, and he added a 40-yard sprint on an end-around in Week 17 against Chicago.
The Alabama product will likely experience growing pains, but the decision to let Chark walk shows a level of confidence in the youngster.
Another reason for Detroit's success on offense was Kalif Raymond. Once a special teams-specific player, the versatile weapon had a career year at wideout.
Raymond was the second-highest PFF-graded receiver on the Lions' roster, producing a 72.7 receiving grade. When injuries threatened the depth at the position, the veteran wideout helped to fill the void.
Also serving as the team's punt returner, the Holy Cross product was the only of Detroit's regulars at receiver to play in all 17 games.
The Lions also return Josh Reynolds and Quintez Cephus, both of whom have contributed during their time in Motown. Holmes took it a step further by bringing back Marvin Jones Jr., who played two years in Jacksonville after a five-year stint with Detroit.
Holmes and company may not be done adding at receiver, either. Still, the point remains that Detroit's young group of wideouts is among the league's very best.
