The Detroit Lions return their top four wide receivers from last season – Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, Tim Patrick and Kalif Raymond — who combined to catch 223 passes for 2,873 yards and 24 touchdowns. That's a lot of production back in the lineup for quarterback Jared Goff.
The return of so much firepower won't stop general manager Brad Holmes and head coach Dan Campbell from trying to add some more youth to the room via the NFL Draft later this month.
"Love that group," Campbell said of his receiver room heading into the draft. "But we were fortunate we got out last year during the season, for the most part, unscathed as far as injuries. That group, TP (Patrick) and Lif (Raymond) and obviously Saint (St. Brown) and Jamo (Williams), those guys we got have been big for us.
"We would love to bring in more competition, particularly some youth. That would help and let them mix it up. Get in there and see where it all falls."
Wide receiver class draft strength: Versatility. It's not as strong a receiver class at the top as we've seen the last few draft cycles but it's a class that features good diversity — there's size on the outside, slot production and good speed from this group.
There were 26 receivers at the Combine who ran a sub-4.5 seconds in the 40-yard dash and 10 who went sub-4.4. The class is lacking a real superstar outside of maybe Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter, but teams looking for quick production from all three receiver spots will be able to find it.
Lions wide receiver depth chart: St. Brown, Williams, Patrick, Raymond, Ronnie Bell, Antoine Green, Tom Kennedy.
View photos of the top wide receiver prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Stanford wide receiver Elic Ayomanor (13) catches the ball in front of North Carolina State's Aydan White (3) during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Raleigh, N.C., Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024. (AP Photo/Karl B DeBlaker)
Stanford wide receiver Elic Ayomanor runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, March 1, 2025. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
TCU wide receiver Jack Bech (18) breaks away from Houston linebacker Jamal Morris (25), defensive back A.J. Haulcy (2), and defensive back Latrell McCutchin Sr. (1) on a touchdown run during an NCAA college football game Friday, Oct. 4, 2024, in Fort Worth, Texas. (AP Photo/Richard W. Rodriguez)
TCU wide receiver Jack Bech runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, March 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Texas wide receiver Isaiah Bond (7) runs past Florida linebacker Shemar James (6) during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Austin, Texas, Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
Texas wide receiver Isaiah Bond runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, March 1, 2025. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
Missouri wide receiver Luther Burden III (3) lines up for a play against Alabama during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Missouri wide receiver Luther Burden III runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, March 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Ohio State receiver Emeka Egbuka plays against Indiana during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)
Ohio State wide receiver Emeka Egbuka catches a pass during the school's NFL football pro day, Wednesday, March 26, 2025, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)
Texas wide receiver Matthew Golden (2) makes the catch against Arizona State defensive back Keith Abney II (1) during the first half in the quarterfinals of a College Football Playoff, Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Texas wide receiver Matthew Golden runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, March 1, 2025. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
Mississippi wide receiver Tre Harris (9) runs the ball during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Kentucky Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, in Oxford, Miss. (AP Photo/Randy J. Williams)
Mississippi wide receiver Tre Harris runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, March 1, 2025. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
Iowa State wide receiver Jayden Higgins lines up for a play during the Big 12 Conference championship NCAA college football game between Arizona State and Iowa State, in Arlington, Texas, Saturday Dec. 7, 2024. Arizona State won 45-19. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Iowa State wide receiver Jayden Higgins runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, March 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Colorado wide receiver Travis Hunter (12) runs for a touchdown against BYU after making a catch during the second half of the Alamo Bowl NCAA college football game, Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
Colorado wide receiver Travis Hunter (12) takes part in passing drills during Colorado's NFL football pro day Friday, April 4, 2025, in Boulder, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Arizona wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan (4) against West Virginia in the first half during an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024, in Tucson, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Arizona wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan (4) during an NCAA football game against Texas Tech on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Tucson, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Iowa State wide receiver Jaylin Noel runs the ball, during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Utah, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Egan)
Iowa State wide receiver Jaylin Noel runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, March 1, 2025. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
Miami wide receiver Xavier Restrepo (7) runs during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Florida State, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
Miami wide receiver Xavier Restrepo runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, March 1, 2025. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
Utah State wide receiver Jalen Royals (1) turns up field after a reception against Boise State against Utah State in the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Boise, Idaho. Boise State won 62-30. (AP Photo/Steve Conner)
Utah State wide receiver Jalen Royals runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, March 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
TCU wide receiver Savion Williams (3) during an NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Colin E. Braley)
TCU wide receiver Savion Williams runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, March 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Lions wide receiver draft priority: Low. It's certainly not a glaring priority given what the Lions have coming back. Detroit was the first team in NFL history to have two running backs and two receivers produce at least 1,000 scrimmage yards last season. It was just the second time in team history two receivers — St. Brown and Williams — had at least 1,000 receiving yards and at least seven touchdowns (Herman Moore & Brett Perriman, 1995).
But as Campbell said, adding some youth to the room and competition makes sense as Williams is the only one of the main contributors at receiver still on his first NFL contract. Holmes said last week at the Annual League Meetings the team plans to pick up his fifth-year option by May's deadline.
Five wide receivers who could fit the Lions:
1. Luther Burden III, Missouri
6-0, 206. 4.41 40-yard dash
His numbers dipped a little bit in 2024, but inconsistent quarterback play affected that too. In 2023, Burden caught 86 passes for 1,212 yards and nine touchdowns with 1,313 all-purpose yards. He had 61 catches for 676 yards and six touchdowns this past season. Burden fits the Lions from a speed, athleticism and playmaking standpoint. He's really good after the catch.
2. Jayden Higgins, Iowa State
6-4, 214. 4.47 40-yard dash
The size and athleticism would certainly fit in Detroit as Higgins combines a long frame with 4.47 speed and explosive traits — 39-inch vertical and 10-foot-8 broad jump. He ranked 10th in the FBS last season with 87 receptions and chipped in 1,183 receiving yards and nine touchdowns.
3. Emeka Egbuka, Ohio State
6-1, 202. 4.46 40-yard dash (pro day)
Egbuka comes to the NFL pro ready with 49 collegiate games under his belt with 205 receptions, 2,868 receiving yards and 24 touchdowns. He's got good size and ball skills and can play inside or outside. He's a former baseball player with great ball tracking skills.
View photos of 2025 NFL Draft wide receiver prospect Luther Burden III.
Missouri wide receiver Luther Burden III (3) pulls down a pass in front of Boston College defensive back Khari Johnson, right, during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024, in Columbia, Mo. Missouri won 27-21. (AP Photo/L.G. Patterson)
Missouri wide receiver Luther Burden III (3) lines up for a play against Alabama during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Missouri wide receiver Luther Burden III runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, March 1, 2025. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
Missouri wide receiver Luther Burden III runs the ball during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Oklahoma Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024, in Columbia, Mo. (AP Photo/L.G. Patterson)
Missouri wide receiver Luther Burden III (3) catches a touchdown pass over Vanderbilt cornerback Tyson Russell (8) during overtime of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024, in Columbia, Mo. (AP Photo/L.G. Patterson)
Missouri wide receiver Luther Burden III (3) is defended by Massachusetts linebacker Macklin Ayers (25) during the first half of an NCAA football game against Massachusetts on Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024, in Amherst, Mass. (AP Photo/Greg M. Cooper)
Missouri wide receiver Luther Burden III runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, March 1, 2025. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
Missouri wide receiver Luther Burden III (3) lines up for a play against Alabama during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Missouri wide receiver Luther Burden III (3) sprints past a Mississippi State defender with a first down pass reception during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, in Starkville, Miss. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
Missouri wide receiver Luther Burden III (3) runs against Texas A&M during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in College Station, Texas. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
Missouri wide receiver Luther Burden III (3) runs against Texas A&M during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in College Station, Texas. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
Missouri wide receiver Luther Burden III (3) scores a touchdown past Vanderbilt safety Marlen Sewell, right, during the first quarter of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024, in Columbia, Mo. (AP Photo/L.G. Patterson)
Missouri wide receiver Luther Burden III, right, tries to run past Buffalo cornerback Eddie Pleasant III, left during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Buffalo Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024, in Columbia, Mo. (AP Photo/L.G. Patterson)
Missouri wide receiver Luther Burden III, left, dances into the end zone past Murray State linebacker James Camden during the first quarter of an NCAA college football game Thursday, Aug. 29, 2024, in Columbia, Mo. (AP Photo/L.G. Patterson)
Missouri wide receiver Luther Burden III (3) during an NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024, in Columbia, Mo. (AP Photo/Colin E. Braley)
4. Tre Harris, Ole Miss
6-2, 205. 4.54 40-yard dash
Harris has football speed, which means he looks and plays much faster on tape than his 40-yard dash time at the Combine might indicate. He averaged 18.2 yards per reception in 2023 and 17.2 this past season with 15 touchdowns combined the last two years for the Rebels. He battled injuries each of the last two seasons, but when healthy, he has a skillset that looks to transfer well to the NFL level.
5. Savion Williams, TCU
6-4, 222. 4.48 40-yard dash
Williams is one of the more interesting prospects in the class, blending terrific physical gifts and position versatility. He caught 60 passes for 611 yards and six receiving touchdowns last season but also rushed 51 times for another 322 yards and six more touchdowns. He's got return ability and could be an explosive gadget player for a creative offensive mind. He's drawn comparisons to Cordarrelle Patterson coming out of college.
