Lions Need Depth at Wide Receiver: Exploring Several Interesting Options Across a Range of Sizes
As the Detroit Lions continue to build a team capable of competing for a Super Bowl, one position that remains in need of improvement and depth is the wide receiver spot. While the Lions boast one of the league’s most dynamic receivers in Amon-Ra St. Brown, the depth behind him remains a question mark. As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, the Lions are looking to add talent at the position to complement St. Brown and give quarterback Jared Goff more weapons on the outside.
Fortunately for the Lions, this year’s wide receiver class offers a variety of intriguing options. Whether the team is looking for speed, size, or a receiver who can stretch the field, there are plenty of prospects who could step in and contribute right away. Let’s take a look at several wide receivers, varying in size and skill set, who could provide the depth the Lions need.
1. Jaxon Smith-Njigba (6’0″, 200 lbs) – The Sure-Handed Route Runner
One of the top names in this year’s draft class is Ohio State’s Jaxon Smith-Njigba. A versatile and polished route runner, Smith-Njigba is known for his ability to create separation with quickness and agility, making him a dangerous target both in the slot and on the outside.
While Smith-Njigba may not have the elite top-end speed of some of the other receivers in this class, he is exceptional at creating yards after the catch, and his ability to make defenders miss is a valuable trait. He would provide Jared Goff with a reliable target who can consistently move the chains and give the offense another playmaker across from St. Brown. The Lions could benefit from a receiver like Smith-Njigba, especially given his well-rounded skill set, which includes excellent hands and a knack for finding soft spots in coverage.
Fit with the Lions: The Lions’ offense would benefit from Smith-Njigba’s quickness and route-running ability. While he may not stretch the field vertically like some others, his ability to move the chains in short and intermediate situations is a skill that would immediately complement the Lions’ current offense, particularly in the slot alongside St. Brown.
2. Quentin Johnston (6’4″, 215 lbs) – The Big-Body Playmaker
On the other end of the size spectrum, Quentin Johnston from TCU is one of the most physically imposing receivers in this draft class. At 6’4” and 215 pounds, Johnston possesses the size and strength to battle with larger cornerbacks while also showcasing impressive speed for his size. Known for his ability to go up and get the ball, Johnston is a dangerous weapon in the red zone and a deep threat who can stretch the field with his ability to win jump balls.
Johnston’s size and ability to high-point the ball make him a great asset on contested throws, which could be a key weapon for Jared Goff, particularly on third downs and in the red zone. He also has solid after-the-catch ability, using his size to break tackles and gain extra yardage. Though not as polished as some other prospects in terms of route running, Johnston’s raw potential and athleticism make him a fascinating option for a team like the Lions, who could use a true downfield threat to complement St. Brown and add another dimension to their offense.
Fit with the Lions: With the Lions’ need for a big-bodied receiver, Johnston could be a great addition. His ability to win contested catches and make plays down the field would give Detroit an exciting vertical threat, opening up space for St. Brown to work underneath. Adding Johnston would provide Goff with a different kind of weapon, one that could complement the team’s more nuanced passing game with a physical edge.
3. Zay Flowers (5’9″, 182 lbs) – The Quick, Explosive Playmaker
For the Lions, adding a player who can stretch the field with pure speed is just as crucial as having a reliable chain mover or a big red-zone target. Zay Flowers from Boston College fits the bill perfectly. At 5’9″ and 182 pounds, Flowers isn’t the biggest receiver, but what he lacks in size, he more than makes up for with his electrifying speed and playmaking ability. Flowers is one of the most dynamic athletes in this draft class, capable of making defenders miss in space and burning past them on deep routes.
Flowers’ ability to separate with his burst off the line and his quick feet make him an ideal candidate for the Lions to consider as a speed threat in their offense. He excels at running precise routes and creating separation on deep balls, something the Lions could use to keep defenses on their toes. Flowers could line up outside or in the slot, offering versatility in how he’s used within the offense.
Fit with the Lions: Adding a speedster like Flowers would give the Lions the deep-threat element they’ve been missing. While St. Brown excels in the intermediate game, Flowers could help open up the vertical passing attack. Additionally, his ability to contribute on special teams as a returner would add even more value to the Lions’ roster.
4. Jordan Addison (6’0″, 175 lbs) – The Polished All-Around Receiver
A player who offers a balanced skill set is Jordan Addison from USC. Standing at 6’0″ and weighing 175 pounds, Addison is a smooth and polished wide receiver known for his ability to create separation on all levels of the field. He has an exceptional ability to run sharp routes and is a threat to break a big play whenever the ball is in his hands. Addison isn’t the fastest player in this draft class, but his agility, quickness, and football IQ make him an outstanding possession receiver. He’s a versatile option who could play both inside and outside for the Lions, giving them a well-rounded playmaker who can help move the chains and contribute to the explosive plays.
Addison’s reliability as a receiver and ability to execute complex route trees could make him an immediate contributor in the Lions’ offense. He’s a steady player who can offer Goff a consistent target, making him a safe, yet highly effective option to add depth at the position.
Fit with the Lions: Addison would add another layer of depth to the Lions’ receiver group, offering a player who can consistently produce in short-to-intermediate situations. His versatility and reliability would make him a trusted target for Goff in various game situations, and his polished skill set would mesh well with the team’s offensive system.
5. Tank Dell (5’10”, 165 lbs) – The Dynamic Slot Threat
One of the most exciting sleepers in this draft class is Tank Dell from the University of Houston. Standing at just 5’10” and weighing 165 pounds, Dell is a smaller receiver but possesses exceptional speed, quickness, and playmaking ability. Despite his size, Dell has been a standout at the collegiate level, showcasing elite separation skills and the ability to make defenders miss in the open field. He’s an excellent route runner and can make an immediate impact as a slot receiver at the next level. Dell also has the ability to create big plays after the catch, thanks to his quick feet and vision.
For the Lions, Dell would offer an immediate threat in the slot, where his quickness and route-running ability could be maximized. His ability to make defenders miss after the catch would also provide Goff with another option to generate explosive plays in the passing game.
Fit with the Lions: Tank Dell could provide an immediate boost to the Lions’ offense as a speedy, elusive slot receiver. His quickness and ability to create mismatches with defenders make him a dangerous weapon in short-yardage and third-down situations. Adding him to the mix would give the Lions yet another dynamic weapon for Goff to utilize.
The Lions’ need for depth at the wide receiver position is clear. While Amon-Ra St. Brown remains the unquestioned top option, the team could certainly benefit from adding a versatile group of receivers who offer different skill sets. Whether the Lions decide to go with a big-bodied playmaker like Quentin Johnston, a polished route runner like Jaxon Smith-Njigba, or a dynamic speedster like Zay Flowers, the options are plentiful.
As the draft approaches, the Lions’ front office must carefully assess which receiver fits their offensive philosophy and the needs of their quarterback, Jared Goff. By adding the right mix of talent, the Lions could quickly bolster their receiving corps and continue to build a high-powered offense capable of competing for a championship in the NFC.