Detroit Lions 2011 Positional Profiles: Wide Receiver Edition

This series will be for the collection of facts/theories that I have from the best sources I can get regarding the Lions’ scheme and ideas for the team.  These are things that I will pull from at least somewhat reputable sources, such as local beat writers Tom Kowalski, Dave Birkett or national sources like the National Football Post, ESPN, etc.

The first series will be based on the Lions' profile for a wide receiver.

Currently, the Lions have four receivers under contract.  These receivers include Calvin Johnson, Nate Burleson, Bryant Johnson and Derrick Williams.  Additionally, they have an extended rights free agent (ERFA) in Stefan Logan, who serves primarily as the team’s punt and kick returner.

In a recent interview before the 2011 NFL Scouting Combine by beat writer Tom Kowalski, Lions GM Martin Mayhew made it quite clear that he was not happy with the performance from the tandem of Bryant Johnson and Derrick Williams performing as the third receiver.  He made a point that the Lions “didn’t win a number of those match ups” when the third receiver had a one-on-one opportunity.  He went further to say that, at a certain point, “it becomes apparent that it's not happening. It didn't happen for those two guys.” 

http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2011/02/martin_mayhew_not_too_impresse.html

From the article, it also sounds like Derrick Williams, who is quite a few years younger, has a better chance than Bryant Johnson of making the roster due to his potential.  Johnson, on the other hand, “needs to work harder to improve his game to be a part of [the Lions’] offense this year.”  He then went on to say the Lions were hurt “not having a third receiver.”  So, it is apparent that one, if not both of these players, is on his way out next year.  Since the Lions have no reason to release them now, however, expect to see them both in camp.

So, the question then becomes related to what kind of skills the Lions are looking for from the third receiver. 

The very first thing that comes to mind is the ability to catch the ball consistently.  Bryant Johnson had one good game at the very end of the year, probably contingent on the fact that he knew his career might be on the line.  Other than that, his season was plagued with drops, earning the nickname “Paddlehands” among many of the Lions’ faithful.  Williams, who received far less playing time, did not fare much better, also having multiple drops.

The next idea comes from the ability to spread the ball around the field, especially vertically, allowing more single coverage for Calvin Johnson, and allowing easy drop-ins underneath for fellow playmakers Brandon Pettigrew and Nate Burleson.  

Specifically, the Lions are looking to play Burleson in the slot, ideally for his ability to attain yards after the catch (YAC).  On the outside, then, would have to be someone who can vertically stretch the field.  According to Kowalski, in the last answer of his article (linked below), the Lions want a “burner” on the outside.

http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2011/02/answering_e-mails_detroit_lion.html

Due to the difficulty of throwing accurately deep for any quarterback, this “burner,” would ideally have the ability to make spectacular catches as well.

It is of vital importance that this burner has (a) good hands representing the ability to consistently catch the ball and (b) obviously, speed.  Of somewhat less importance would be the criterion of (c) making spectacular catches.

That being said, three targets immediately come to mind:

WR Julio Jones, Alabama (draftee): As the combine showed, Julio Jones dominates in the “athletic freak” category with his great size, speed and leaping ability.  If he is there when the Lions pick at 13, he would have to be given serious consideration.  His hands do have some question marks, drawing some comparisons to Terrell Owens in the concentration department.  He did appear to improve that last year and it should not be doubted that he could improve further upon it.

WR Titus Young, Boise State (draftee): Has a history of spectacular downfield catches at Boise State.  He ran his 40-yard dash at the 2011 NFL Scouting Combine at a surprisingly high 4.53 (officially), which leaves something to be desired.  However, for those of us that watched the Senior Bowl, he was clearly the quickest and fastest receiver on the field, meaning his speed on the field was probably not well-represented at the combine. He has a history of suspensions and disciplinary issues, and lacks strength.  The lack of strength would mean that he may have difficulty getting off the line of scrimmage to get deep at all.

WR Sidney Rice (free agent): With as much money as the Lions have wrapped up in Burleson and Johnson, it might be unrealistic to think they would pursue Sidney Rice.  However, he displays all three required talents in droves.  He has great hands, great speed and spectacular catching ability.  The defense would have to pick their poison on every offensive play, and pending the front office’s concern for having too much money wrapped up in one place, he would be an excellent addition.

There are surely more players in which the Lions might be interested.  That being said, I hope I was able to provide some insight into the what the Lions may be looking for this offseason in a wide receiver.