Pundits projected the Detroit Lions will use the first round of the 2024 NFL draft to select a future top cornerback or outstanding pass rusher. However, the Lions found fill-ins for those needs in NFL free agency. On March 19, ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. predicted that the Lions would enhance their offense in the first round with wide receiver Xavier Legette.
In his most recent NFL mock draft, Kiper has Legette ranked 29th overall to the Lions.
“How good is the Detroit roster? Brad Holmes, general manager, has done an excellent job since being hired in 2021,” Kiper stated. “He remedied the Lions’ largest offseason hole by trading for unheralded cornerback Carlton Davis, giving him some flexibility here. I would want to see the Lions add another playmaker to complement quarterback Jared Goff.
“Legette is rising in my rankings after running a 4.39-second 40-yard dash and performing well in the other drills at the combine.” While I will dispute with South Carolina for classifying him as 6-foot-3 when he is actually 6-foot-1, I will not hold it against him. He had a terrific 2023 season, totaling 1,255 receiving yards and averaging 17.7 yards per grab.
“He crushed cornerbacks on crossing routes, lining up both inside and outside. This is an opportunity to continue strengthening the Detroit offense.”
With Legette, the Lions might acquire a receiver to help replace veteran Josh Reynolds. Reynolds, Detroit’s second-leading receiver in 2023, with 40 receptions for 608 yards and 5 touchdowns last season.
Legette caught 71 passes for 1,255 yards and seven touchdowns in 12 games at South Carolina in 2023.
How WR Xavier Legette Can Fit With the Lions
Kiper predicted the Lions would take Iowa State cornerback T.J. Tampa in his mock draft on February 28. However, the Lions addressed cornerback by dealing for veteran Carlton Davis. In addition, they signed cornerback Amik Robertson and re-signed Emmanuel Moseley during free agency.
The defensive line has been a favorite position for the Lions in early offseason mock picks. However, in free agency, Detroit signed defensive end Marcus Davenport and defensive tackle D.J. Reader.
Then, on March 18, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that the Lions planned to sign veteran guard Kevin Zeitler to replace the final starting spot on the offensive line.
All of those free agents (including Davis) are on one- or two-year deals. That provides the Lions a great deal of freedom. They could address any of those requirements in the first round if the proper talent is available.
Alternatively, the Lions could add a piece to the position that need the most immediate assistance. If the Lions do not re-sign Reynolds, the position will most likely be receiver.
Amon-Ra St. Brown, the 2023 All-Pro, will be Detroit’s premier passing weapon this fall. Jameson Williams, the 2021 first-round pick, is a potential to replace Reynolds in the starting lineup.
Adding Legette would provide the Lions’ No. 2 passing offense from last season with another possible deep target for contested catches.
“His star shines brightest once the ball goes up and he’s able to use his body control, play strength and ball skills to impose his will on the coverage,” according to NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein. “He’s unlikely to become a smooth route runner, but he can handle tough catches and he has stealth acceleration that makes him a credible deep-ball threat.”
Can the Lions re-sign Josh Reynolds?
There has been no official word on whether the Lions are interested in re-signing Reynolds. However, on March 17, Fansided’s Brad Berreman claimed that the Lions’ decision to bring back Donovan Peoples-Jones has “all but confirmed” Reynolds’ departure.
On March 16, the Lions re-signed Peoples-Jones. With Peoples-Jones back, the Lions have nine receivers under contract in 2024.
Given how heavily the team relies on tight end Sam LaPorta and running back Jahmyr Gibbs in the passing game, Detroit does not need to make a significant acquisition at receiver this offseason. Assuming Williams improves significantly this fall, the Lions have the pieces to be a force in the passing game again in 2024.
But Kiper’s point remains valid. The Lions’ roster is so well-rounded that general manager Brad Holmes could select Legette or another receiver in the first round if he wanted to.
