Twice in the span of three days, Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell addressed concerns about the Lions’ Wide Reciever depth chart, emphasizing the ongoing competition for the No. 3 receiver role vacated by Josh Reynolds. The urgency to fill this void has been notable all offseason, and it is clear that the Lions are still seeking the right fit.
Kalif Raymond’s Consistency and Metrics
Kalif Raymond, though not fitting the typical mold of a No. 3 wide receiver, has shown significant potential. Despite a reduced role last season, with just a 30 percent snap share, Raymond’s efficiency was noteworthy. His strong connection with quarterback Jared Goff was highlighted by a high catch rate and impactful plays. Pro Football Focus ranked the Goff-Raymond duo fourth in the best quarterback-wide receiver pairings based on catchable target rate from the previous season. Raymond’s overall performance earned him a 75.4 PFF grade, his best since 2019.
“Raymond has caught 130 passes and five touchdowns over that span. His catches have decreased each year in Detroit, but he is still a cog in one of the best offenses in the NFL,” according to PFF. His role as both a slot option and deep boundary threat, along with his 8.8-yard average target depth and 6.1 yards after the catch per reception, highlight his versatility and fit in Ben Johnson’s offense.
The Wide Receiver Opportunity and Competition
Raymond led Lions’ pass catchers with at least 15 targets last season in catch rate (79.5 percent). Addressing Campbell’s call for a receiver to step up, Raymond acknowledged: “I think there’s an opportunity here for everybody, especially in that room. But at the end of the day, especially in this league, it’s also a lot of self-motivation because everyone is trying to make a name for themselves and stick in this league.”
While it might be preferable for Raymond to focus on his role as the team’s punt returner, his consistent first-team reps in practice could signal his readiness to seize the No. 3 wide receiver position. As other receivers have struggled to maintain momentum, Raymond’s reliability might just secure him the spot.
The Lions’ wide receiver competition remains tight, but Kalif Raymond’s proven track record and metrics-based performance make him a compelling candidate for the No. 3 role in Detroit’s offense. As the season progresses, keeping an eye on his performance will be crucial for the Lions’ offensive success.
