Each year at Lions Wire we examine the athletic testing scores of the upcoming NFL draft class, looking for prospects who qualify for our Quinn Influenced Benchmarks (QIB) system. In a nutshell, QIB is designed to identify common athletic characteristics Detroit Lions general manager Bob Quinn has previously targeted at each position, with the focus on finding similarly athletic prospects that could be offseason targets for the Lions.
The Lions currently have nine rostered wide receivers, but with minimal longterm depth, they’re likely not finished adding to the position group.
QIB Benchmarks
Like with the QIB for running backs, the wide receiver position has seen a shift in how QIB categorizes prospects. Previously the standard Full and Partial qualifications have been in place but with the variance in how wide receivers are used, two more categories have been created — Explosion and Agility.
There are five benchmarks QIB focuses on for prospects, the 40-yard-dash, vertical jump, broad jump, 3-cone and short shuttle. Prospects must pass all five in order to fully qualify for QIB and if they pass four of them they partially qualify. If a prospect passes both jumps they fall under the explosion QIB group, while if they pass the 3-cone and short shuttle the qualify for agility QIB.
Full and Partial QIB qualifiers have the athletic skill set to be used all over the field, at both outside spots as well as in the slot. Examples of this on the Lions roster are Kenny Golladay, Deontez Alexander and Brandon Reilly.
Explosion QIB qualifiers are typically used only used the outside and typically at the WR-X position. Examples of this on the Lions roster are Andy Jones and Chris Lacy.
Agility QIB qualifiers are typically players who can win from the slot but can also be used on the outside in specific roles. Examples of this on the Lions roster are Marvin Jones, Danny Amendola, Brandon Powell and Tommylee Lewis. Jones’ has a role as a vertical option in the Lions’ previous schemes but began his career as a slot with the Bengals.
Full QIB qualifiers
Passing all five QIB benchmarks is difficult, so it’s no surprise that only two wide receivers in this class were Full QIB qualifiers — A.J. Brown (Mississippi) and Miles Boykin (Notre Dame).
Brown would likely fill the Big Slot role in the Lions offense, a role he played last season for the Rebels. He is a sharp route runner and has the strength to win the contested 50/50 ball and create additional yards after the catch. He could sneak into the late portions of Round 1, but if he slides to pick 43 he could be the Lions selection.
Boykins blowing up the NFL Combine surprised analysts across the board because his play on the field doesn’t match up to what he displayed in Indianapolis. A WR-X only for the Irish, Boykin may be limited to this same role in the NFL, but his athleticism shows he has the ceiling to expand that role with more development, which is why he could sneak into the third round.
Side Note: In addition to Noah Fant (Iowa) being a Full QIB qualifier at tight end, he is actually a Full QIB qualifier at wide receiver, bringing the total qualifiers up to three prospects in this class.
Partial QIB qualifiers
If you were able to crossbreed the Golden Tate and Anquan Boldin, you would get Deebo Samuel (South Carolina). Built like a running back, Samuel has the long-speed to play outside, the quickness to win in the slot and the vision to contribute as a returner. For a team like the Lions, that is desperate for a player capable of creating yards after the catch (YAC), Samuel is likely very high on their draft board. Don’t be surprised if the Lions trade up for Samuel if they don’t think he will make it to pick 43.
If the Lions are targeting a receiver with elite long speed, Parris Campbell (Ohio State, 4.31 40-yard-dash), Andy Isabella (Massachutes, 4.31), Mecole Hardman (Georgia, 4.33), Terry McLaurin (Ohio State, 4.35) and Darius Slayton (Auburn, 4.39) all fit the bill. Campbell and Hardman could hear their names called in the top-50 picks, while Isabella, McLaurin and Slayton offer more value if they slip to Day 3.
On Day 3, Gary Jennings (West Virginia) is a mid-round under the radar prospect as someone who can win in the slot and as a vertical threat but needs to clean up his drops. Ashton Dulin (Malone University) could get drafted because of his kick return skills but the big jump in competition will likely temper expectations for contributing on offense early in his career.
Stanley Morgan (Nebraska) and Bisi Johnson (Colorado State) are unique players in that they passed all the QIB jumps and agility drills but came up short in the 40-yard-dash. The 40 appears to be the least significant of the QIB categories, making both sleeper targets on Day 3.
Explosion QIB qualifiers
If the Lions target one of the players in this section it would likely require moving Golladay or Marvin Jones into a different role when all three of them are on the field.
D.K. Metcalf (Mississippi) may be the only receiver in this draft class capable of being considered with the No. 8 pick in the draft. Metcalf is a rare bread of receiver — 6-3.5, 228-pounds and a 4.33 40-yard-dash speedster — who has Andre Johnson-level upside. His injury history will cause some teams to pause and he still appears a bit raw at times, but when on the field he dominates. If the Lions landed Metcalf he would likely take over the WR-X role, forcing a shift in responsibilities for Marvin Jones.
N’Keal Harry (Arizona State) is yet another receiver who the Lions will likely consider if he is available at pick 43. Harry caught general manager Bob Quinn’s eye recently at the Sun Devils pro day and he also has a scheduled workout with the Lions. The addition of Harry would give the Lions a trio of top receivers who all struggle to separate but more often than not win the 50/50 ball and can operate on the outside and as a Big Slot.
Hakeem Butler (Iowa State) is a true Big Slot option with a large catch radius but a worrisome case of drops. Emanuel Hall (Missouri) is a speed slot/vertical threat option but has some injury and off the field troubles. Both players have concerns that could make the Lions hesitate using a Day 2 pick on.
Jalen Hurd (Baylor) is an intriguing gadget player. After three years as a running back at Tennessee — even starting ahead of Alvin Kamara in 2017 — the 6-5, 226-pounder switched to a Big Slot role at Baylor. He is still learning the position but the raw talent and positional experience will appeal to those looking for a Cordarrelle Patterson-type, likely in the 4th round.
On Day 3, there is a boatload of role players who would fill depth needs on the Lions roster. Dillon Mitchell (Oregon) is an option both in the slot and the outside, David Stills V (West Virginia) and Jazz Ferguson (Northwestern State) can stretch the field vertically, while Alex Wesley (Northern Colorado), Johnnie Dixon (Ohio State) and Ryan Davis (Auburn) are speed slot options.
Justin Sumpter (Kennesaw State) is an upside small school dominating wide receiver who the Lions could target post-draft, similarly to Deontez Alexander last year.
Agility QIB qualifiers
While the Lions have both Powell and Lewis challenging to be the direct backup to Amendola there are two pure slot receivers in this class the Lions could consider as late round options — Hunter Renfrow (Clemson) and Cody Thompson (Toledo).
If you like Amendola, you’ll love Renfrow. The slot receiver was a captain for the Tigers and earned his claim to fame by lighting up Alabama in two National Championship games. He will be limited in the NFL, but there is a role for him in today’s game due to his intelligence, sure hands and route running prowess.
Thompson will make an NFL roster on his special teams play, but he has the potential to develop into a slot role due to his sure hands and the ability to gain separation in his routes.
