ESPN’s new rankings reveal why the Detroit Lions’ receiving corps is different
Detroit Lions landed two receivers on ESPN’s latest rankings, but one overlooked detail explains why this group is different from almost every other receiving corps in the NFL.
The Detroit Lions have two receivers on ESPN’s annual top wide receiver rankings, and that says a lot about where this roster stands. Amon-Ra St. Brown came in at No. 5 on the list, which was compiled through conversations with scouts, executives, and coaches around the league. Jameson Williams landed in the honorable mention section for the first time in his career. For a team that prides itself on doing everything well, having two wideouts earn recognition from NFL decision-makers is exactly the kind of validation you want to see.
St. Brown’s case at No. 5
St. Brown ranked 8th on the same list last year and was once as high as 2nd. Fifth makes a lot of sense. There’s maybe an argument to put him over Puka Nacua, who landed at 4th, but it’s hard to fight the top of this list too much. Ja’Marr Chase is No. 1, Justin Jefferson is No. 2, and Jackson Smith-Njigba sits at No. 3. Those guys are all great receivers, and placing St. Brown definitively ahead of any one of them is tough.
Here’s what the article says:
St. Brown activated beast mode several times in 2025, most notably on “Thursday Night Football” in Week 14, when he produced 92 yards on a high ankle sprain despite three days of rest.
‘Savvy, knack for getting open, plays faster than his timed speed,” an NFL coordinator said. “He’s putting continuous stress on you even when you know he’s not going vertical. He has a unique way of working leverage. Strong as hell, can separate at the point and is shifty, plays as if he’s being disrespected at all times.’
St. Brown’s 582 yards after catch in 2025 were third among all receivers. And the Lions wideout is the only player with at least 1,000 receiving yards and 10 touchdown catches in each of the past three seasons. He’s also the only player to record such a streak in Lions franchise history. Only Hall of Famer Calvin Johnson (four) has more overall.
Another dimension to St. Brown’s game that stands out is his blocking. As one veteran coach says, St. Brown can help the offense function as if it’s in 12 personnel (two tight ends) despite being in 11 personnel (one tight end) because of how he supports the running game.”
Williams makes the list for the 1st time
Jameson Williams showing up in the honorable mention section is a big deal. He has never previously appeared on this list in any form. An NFL coordinator described him this way: “He could fly and is slippery. His speed opens up immediate cuts. Getting in and out of breaks is not natural to him, but he’s improved there. He goes across the field, uses all 53 yards, hands aren’t as consistent.”
Williams earned that spot over some pretty good receivers. DK Metcalf, DeVonta Smith, Brian Thomas Jr., Jalen Waddle, Chris Olave, and Garrett Wilson all missed the honorable mention cut. That’s meaningful company to jump ahead of.
Will Williams ever crack the top 10? It’s hard to say. It’s also difficult to have two receivers from the same team in that section, even though the Cowboys currently have both CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens there. But I don’t know if George Pickens is necessarily a top 10 receiver right now. It’s subjective.
The blocking numbers tell the story
This is where Detroit’s receiver room separates itself. Pro Football Focus gave St. Brown the 4th-highest pass-blocking grade among receivers. Nacua edged him slightly with a 79.7 to St. Brown’s 79, but St. Brown logged 348 blocking snaps compared to Nacua’s 290. Volume matters.
Among receivers with a minimum of 100 run blocking snaps, St. Brown ranks 6th, and Williams ranks 13th. Other than Nacua at 4th, none of the other receivers in ESPN’s article ranked above the Lions’ duo in run blocking. These guys block, and they block like crazy.
Williams graded out at 67.2 as a run blocker, and St. Brown posted a 70. For wide receivers, those numbers are significant.
I think this is going to be a big season for Williams. He’s putting in the work this offseason to become a better pass catcher, and if he takes that next step, who knows where he lands on next year’s list. But even now, having two receivers who show up and contribute in every phase of the game is something the Lions can be proud of. To have one guy like that is significant. To have two is huge.
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