Preview of the Detroit Lions’ 2024 roster: Is Kalif Raymond the right man at wide receiver?
There is no better time to examine the Detroit Lions roster and set expectations for the group in 2024 than now, as the NFL’s deadest stretch of the offseason approaches. Even though the Lions as a club accomplished a lot last season—winning both a division championship and a postseason match for the first time in more than 30 years—now is not the time to become comfortable. We at Pride of Detroit are going to use this downtime to set expectations for each player in the following season as the team strives to move closer to reaching the ultimate objective.
We will begin this series with wide receiver/returner Kalif Raymond, one of the most well-liked and dependable veterans in the locker room and a man who wears many hats for this football club.
Expectations heading into 2023
In 2022, Raymond became a more efficient version of himself (13.1 yards per catch) on comparable volume (64 targets, 47 receptions) after spending 2021—his first season in Detroit—as the de facto No. 1 wideout (71 targets, 48 receptions, 576 yards). In addition, as a punt returner, he earned second-team All-Pro recognition, further solidifying his reputation as a versatile depth player.
Due to Jameson Williams’ impending suspension and hamstring problems during training camp, a different wide receiver may be able to take over as the number-one receiver before the 2023 campaign. With the right body type and chemistry with Jared Goff, Josh Reynolds would seize that chance during the first month of the season. Sam LaPorta and Jahmyr Gibbs were among the new pass-catching possibilities, so it appeared like Raymond was positioned to contribute mostly on special teams and in spurts on offense.
Actual role in 2023
Raymond took full use of his opportunities in 2023, even if his objectives were slashed by almost a third. He had career-best results in a number of efficiency metrics. According to PFF, an amazing 2.07 yards per route run (t-19th among eligible receivers) beat out players like as Davante Adams, Ja’Marr Chase, and Stefon Diggs in the previous season. Out of receivers with at least 35 targets, he was ranked 36th with 14.0 yards per reception, ahead of downfield threats such as A.J. Brown, Courtland Sutton, and Drake London. Raymond showed steady hands with a drop rate of only 2.8%, which matched with the 12th-best figure among wide receivers in 2023, despite the targets being less frequent.
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