Detroit’s deadly RECEIVER has emerged as Motown’s marquee playmaker. Here’s a closer look at the sensational skills of the Lions’ star…

By Ryan K Boman | April 18, 2023

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Wide Receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown joined the Detroit Lions as a fourth-round pick in the 2021 draft. The USC Trojan turned out to be a steal, emerging as one of the best and most explosive playmakers in the NFL.

As part of the resurgence currently taking place in The Motor City under Coach Dan Campbell, the young star has flourished. He set a Lions’ rookie receiving record, posting 912 yards. He also added five touchdowns in a happily productive initial year.

After the Lions drafted former Heisman Trophy-winning receiver Jameson Williams in the first round of that off-season’s draft, hopes remained high for St. Brown’s second season. He surpassed those expectations by a long shot.

While it was once believed that a guy who was a 112th overall selection could settle in as a terrific number-two receiver in Detroit (ideally behind Williams) the youngster had other plans. Instead, Jameson had to battle back from injuries and get up to speed. Meanwhile, St. Brown wrote his name on the short list of the very best wide receivers in pro football.

In 2022, St. Brown caught 106 passes 7th in the NFL) for 1,161 yards and six TDs in a monstrous breakout campaign. As the season progressed, one thing became abundantly clear” Jared Goff was having a resurgence at QB, and Jamaal Williams was scoring in bunches, but it was St. Brown who was the Lions’ deadliest skill player.

In the eyes of most fans and NFL experts, 2023 should be a big year for Amon-Ra St. Brown and the Detroit Lions. Considered by many to be the most improved team in the league in the last couple of years, as you can almost feel something big on the horizon in the Land of Silver & Blue.

Coach Campbell has changed the squad’s attitude on the field and in the locker room. Meanwhile, GM Brad Holmes has shown he’s had the right touch when it comes to assembling the roster. This is clearly a team on the rise. They’ll also have the opportunity to add more impact to the lineup in the upcoming NFL Draft. The Lions possess two first-round picks (including the number six selection from the Rams, left over from the Matthew Stafford deal). That winning attitude and environment should provide every opportunity for Amon-Ra St. Brown to continue his success story.

SHORT-TERM OUTLOOK: As he stakes his claim of being the best pass catcher in the NFC North not named Justin Jefferson, expect an even bigger year for the third-year player. He’s entering those prime years when an athlete begins to pair his immense ability with the familiarity of being a veteran.

He will benefit from the rise of Jameson Williams. The two have been working out together in the off-season. Having them on the same page would benefit them mutually and the team as a whole. The pairing will provide for a dangerous combination – provided they stay healthy and Jared Goff repeats his 2022 efforts.

Projections should put St. Brown at 1500 yards receiving, along with 8-10 scores this season. Oh… and his first taste of the postseason. It won’t be the last, either. For him or the Lions.

LONG-TERM OUTLOOK: Many receivers have come into the NFL, achieved eye-popping numbers for a handful of seasons, and then returned to mortality. While Amon St. Brown has been durable thus far, health will be the key to him achieving a truly special career. By all accounts, he’s a good citizen, so off-the-field issues likely won’t plague him.

His prospects for a Hall of Fame career could be enhanced if he’s one of the special stars who deliver the first Super Bowl Championship to Detroit. For a long-suffering city and franchise, it would make him an icon in their eyes. And a ring or two would certainly bolster anyone’s regal resume.

In reality, it’s way too early to project where things could end for the sensation. All Lions fans are concerned with right now, is that he’s going to be a hell of a lot of fun to watch for several years to come.