This is the fourth of our prospect position-by-position preview series for the Detroit Lions heading into the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine, which kicks off next week in Indianapolis. Today: Wide Receivers. Previously:Quarterbacks,Running backs,Tight Ends
Need?
Absolutely not. Personally, I believe there’s a strong case for adding only UDFAs in this class or savvy veterans in the current free-agent market. This position group is already deep.
Amon-Ra St. Brown continues to prove he’s one of the NFL’s elite receivers, finishing his 2025 campaign with a fourth consecutive Pro Bowl nod and third-straight All-Pro selections. Jameson Williams has developed as a route runner and key contributor in the Lions offense, finishing with his second straight 1,000-yard season.
Isaac TeSlaa, although initially limited in targets during the first half of his rookie season, became a reliable receiving option down the stretch, making several important catches and displaying the consistency needed to be the third act in a potentially deadly Lions wide receiver trio.
Known for his special teams production, Kalif Raymond regressed this season, as his punt return yards and average were nearly half of his 2024 output, which earned him All-Pro honors. Dominic Lovett and Jackson Meeks had minimal rookie production. The verdict is still out on both, but the talent is there.
With wide receiver not being a necessity, the Lions don’t have to use early draft capital to add playmakers. With Raymond getting older -- he’ll be 32 before the season starts -- and Lovett/Meeks still finding their way, it would be surprising to see the Lions “give up” on the so quickly.
But if they decided to add to the room on Day 3, there is talent available who could help them on special teams and serve as a viable WR4 option if needed.
Top Prospects:
Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
Of the wide receivers in this draft, Carnell Tate has an “It Factor” about him. At Ohio State, he wasn’t known for his blazing speed, but he is far from slow. He has a knack for pulling down the 50-50 balls, is an excellent route runner, crafty in finding ways to get open, and is the type of receiver a quarterback can just chuck a moonball and expect it to land in Tate’s hands. In many mocks, he’s the consensus first wide receiver to come off the board, and his tape.
Makai Lemon, WR, USC
Did USC just produce another Amon-Ra St. Brown? Certainly, Makai Lemon will have his work cut out for him to match the success of his fellow Trojan, but watching his tape gives you St. Brown vibes. Lemon is quick, elusive, knows how to create separation to pick up a lot of YAC, physical, and has great leaping ability for his size, which comes in handy grabbing contested balls. His ball-tracking skills on back-of-the-end-zone throws are superb.
Lemon finished his final season as a Trojan, ranking 11th in receptions (79), eighth in yards (1,156), and tied for ninth in touchdowns (11), which led to him being a Unanimous All-American and Fred Biletnikoff Award winner. He’s not slipping down to the Lions, and even if he did, it wouldn’t make sense for them to use a premium pick on him despite his talent.
Potential Lions Fits:
Donaven McCulley, WR, Michigan
Don’t look at the stats when evaluating Donaven McCulley’s vision; look at the tape. At 6 foot 5, 215 pounds, McCulley is a handful when trying to bring him to the ground. He’s a physical route runner, and when it comes to jump balls, his height and leaping ability will afford him a clear advantage over most NFL corners.
With the verdict still out on what Meeks can become, it wouldn’t be the worst idea for Detroit to take a flier on someone with McCulley’s talent, as he won’t be asked to be an immediate contributor and is projected to be a Day 3 find.
Kaden Wetjen, WR, Iowa
If Lions fans are looking for a potential Kalif Raymond replacement, look no further than Kaden Wetjen. His offensive stats at Iowa don’t jump off the page; he’s a special-teams gem. He’s a two-time Jet Award winner for the nation’s best returner. Last season, he returned 21 punts for 563 yards and three touchdowns, including a 95-yarder and 16 kicks for 476 yards, with a long of 100 -- something he achieved twice at Iowa.
The Lions have struck gold in recent years, landing Hawkeyes in the draft (Jack Campbell, Sam Laporta). Could a hat trick be in order?
Sleepers to Watch:
CJ Daniels, WR, Miami
CJ Daniels will likely be a late Day 2 or early Day 3 (fifth round) selection. Because of that, it’s unlikely he’ll land in Detroit. However, if he slips too late in the fifth or is available to Detroit in the sixth, it’s something to consider. Yes, they have St. Brown, Williams, and we’ve seen a glimpse of TeSlaa’s potential. But adding another 6-foot-3 reliable possession receiver wouldn’t hurt that late in the draft.
His final season at Miami showcased his ability to snag balls in traffic, solid playmaking in contested situations, a willingness to block, and a threat in the red zone, something the Lions could use. This past season, he was second on the Hurricanes in touchdown grabs (seven) and tied for first in yards per catch (11.1). He’s bounced around a bit in college (having played at Liberty and LSU as well), but his overall body of work makes him worth taking a chance on, especially his 2023 season with the Flames, where he had 55 receptions for 1,094 yards and 10 touchdowns.
Ted Hurst, WR, Georgia State
One thing that jumps off the screen about Ted Hurst is his ability to track the ball. He’s a physical route runner who doesn’t shy away from contact across the middle, and at 6-foot-3, Hurst isn’t the easiest to bring to the ground. He doesn’t appear to have blazing speed, but his game speed is enough to create separation and take the top off a defense.
He caught 71 passes for 1,004 yards and six touchdowns, averaging 14.1 yards per catch in his final season with the Panthers. Current mock drops have him as a Day 2 grade, and there is no way the Lions take a receiver that early in the draft. In my opinion, whoever lands him might be getting quite the steal. Not projecting him to be a pro bowler or all pro, but he can possibly be a solid starter or big-bodied WR3 if he puts on a little bit more weight.