Dec 22, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams (9) celebrates after a reception against the Chicago Bears during the second quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Bartel-Imagn Images | Daniel Bartel-Imagn Images
Earlier this week, it was suggested that the Detroit Lions could look to trade wide receiver Jameson Williams. While trading Williams seems like a crazy idea on the surface, it really isn’t.
Over the next two offseasons, Detroit will have to pay Aidan Hutchinson, Jahmyr Gibbs, Kerby Joseph, Brian Branch, Williams and Sam Laporta. Retaining all those players is next to impossible, so moving one and gathering assets for them before their contract expires is the most logical move.
Nevertheless, even if the Lions don’t trade Williams, it seems that Holmes and head coach Dan Campbell understand the importance of adding another receiver in the draft.
A few weeks ago, at the NFL owners’ meetings, the importance of adding youth to the receiver room was mentioned, saying, “We would love to bring in more competition, particularly some youth. That would help, and let them all mix it up. Get in there and see where it all falls:
Holmes shared these same sentiments during a press conference on Thursday, stating, “You really can’t ever have enough of them.” He added, “We’re very happy with the guys that we have, but it’d be great to get younger.”
#Lions GM Brad Holmes echoes Dan Campbell's sentiments about getting more talent at WR: "You really can't ever have enough of them."
Adds WR is one of the deepest talent pools every year at the draft. "We're very happy with the guys that we have but it'd be great to get…
— Nolan Bianchi (@nolanbianchi) April 17, 2025
Lions are Considering Adding to Their Receiving Room in the Draft
Neither Campbell’s nor Holmes’s comments are surprising. Outside of Kalif Reymond, the Lions don’t have much depth at wide receiver. Furthermore, both Reymond and Tim Patrick are age 30 or older.
That said, this draft lacks top-end talent at the position. In 2024, there were five receivers selected in the first round. This year, there are only three projected first-round WRs, depending on whose mock draft or big board you are viewing.
As a result, Detroit likely won’t be selecting a wideout within the first two rounds, unless one falls to them. Still, given these comments, it wouldn’t be shocking if the Lions selected a wide receiver in the third round or later. Moreover, they may target some undrafted WRs to bring in for training camp and the preseason.
Fortunately, the draft is only a week away, so Lions fans don’t have to wait much longer to see what Holmes plans really are in the 2025 draft.
