Theultimately regained their roar in 2023. Last season, the perennial laughingstocks defied expectations by finishing 12-5 in the regular season and winning the NFC North. They capitalized on their success by making their first playoff appearance since 2016 and reaching the NFC Championship Game. Detroit won two postseason games last season. They had not won such a game in the previous 32 years.
The Lions can thank a stacked 2023 draft class for their recent success. Players like Jahmyr Gibbs, Jack Campbell, Sam LaPorta, and Brian Branch all made significant contributions to their team’s squad.
Detroit is expected to bring in another group of young players this year. The Lions own four picks in the first three rounds of the 2024 draft. They may utilize those selections on sleepers like UCF’s Javon Baker, Rutgers’ Max Melton, and Washington’s Bralen Trice to keep the momentum going.
This year’s wide receiver class is loaded with promising potential. There could be at least ten who make it through the first two rounds. The Lions could afford to acquire one of these prospects. Josh Reynolds inked a two-year, $14 million contract with the Denver Broncos a few weeks ago. Jameson Williams has some valid reasons for not making the impact expected of him when the Lions drafted him in 2022. However, 395 yards in two seasons for the 12th overall pick is plain unacceptable.
That’s where someone like UCF’s Javon Baker could come in. Baker began his career at the University of Alabama in the COVID year of 2020. It’s natural that he didn’t play much in Tuscaloosa, given that he was playing behind future stars like DeVonta Smith, Jaylen Waddle, John Metchie III, and, yes, Williams. Baker had just nine receptions for 116 yards and one touchdown at Alabama. So he transferred to UCF in 2022.
Baker was able to showcase his skills with the Golden Knights, particularly during the 2023 season. Last year, he had 52 receptions for 1,139 yards and seven touchdowns. He showed a little bit of everything in Orlando. Baker’s 6-foot-2, 208-pound stature allows him to maneuver
He fits the bill for Detroit’s outside ‘X’ receiver. Amon-Ra St. Brown represents money in the slot. Jameson Williams has the ability to take the top off a defense on one side of the field. However, the Lions might benefit from having a big-bodied receiver on the outside to win jump balls, serve as a red zone target, and open up the field for St. Brown, Gibbs, LaPorta, and Williams to feast. Baker is capable of doing that. Detroit must keep an eye on him.Max Melton, cornerback, Rutgers
Bo Melton developed as a real weapon for Detroit’s NFC North rival, Green Bay. His brother might be a viable alternative for the Lions to stop him and other talented wide outs. Melton has the proper physique for a corner in today’s NFL at 6 feet and 190 pounds. He was also very productive at Rutgers during his four-year career in Jersey. He deflected 20 passes and picked off another eight of them. His freakish athleticism helped him accomplish those feats.
