The Detroit Lions are currently evaluating every position and deciding who will make the 53-man roster with cutdown day fast approaching on August 27.

One of the biggest questions is who will make the roster behind Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams. Kaliff Raymond seems well-positioned to be the number three receiver on the team. But there is a lot of uncertainty regarding who else among the receiver group will survive the cut.

Lions 53-Man Roster: Making Cases for Backup WRs

Detroit Lions Receiver Room

After the Lions lost veteran Josh Reynolds to free agency, the search has been on to find a suitable replacement. Although the Lions receiver room is filled with hopeful players competing for the chance to make the roster, most won’t survive the cut.

Which player stood out in the preseason and is most deserving of that spot and who failed to live up to their pre-season hype?

Having an experienced veteran player on the roster is an advantage. These players are familiar with the grueling demands of a full NFL season. They understand the physical and mental challenges involved in making the playoffs and bringing your “A-game” every single week. In addition to Donovan Peoples-Jones, the Lions have several other veteran players in their receiver room, competing for the roster assignment.

Donovan Peoples-Jones

Acquired last year in a trade from the Cleveland Browns, Donovan Peoples-Jones seemed like the perfect fit for the Lions. The 6’2″ 204 lb. University of Michigan graduate has the size and athleticism to make him a favorite target for Lions quarterback Jared Goff.

While Peoples-Jones didn’t see a lot of action last season, catching five of only seven targets for a total of 58 yards, the Lions’ coaching staff had high expectations entering the preseason. Thus far, Peoples-Jones has only two receptions for 31 yards. Again, though, an athlete’s preseason performance may not be the only factor the team will take into consideration.

The Lions invested a great deal in Peoples-Jones when they brought him over in a trade from the Cleveland Browns last season.

The Peoples-Jones trade cost the Lions a 2025 sixth-round draft pick and he is currently signed to a one-year $1.3 million deal. The team may want to keep him to get their money’s worth. While things could still turn in his favor, Peoples-Jones may be a long shot to win the role.

Kaden Davis came to the attention of Detroit Lions’ fans last week when he caught a stunning 61-yard touchdown from quarterback Nate Sudfeld.  With three receptions in the preseason for 69 yards and a touchdown, Davis has a decent shot at making the roster.

Following his graduation from Northwest Missouri State, Davis signed with the Denver Broncos as an undrafted free agent. Cut by the Broncos, Davis signed with the UFL Michigan Panthers in May of 2023 where he functioned in the dual roles of wide receiver and return specialist.

Appearing in only five games, Davis was credited with 83 receiving yards, 333 return yards, and two touchdowns.

Maurice Alexander

Another player with ties to spring football is former Philadelphia Stars wide receiver and return specialist Maurice Alexander.  In a game against the Pittsburgh Maulers, Alexander had 186 all-purpose yards, including eight receptions for 87 yards with two receiving touchdowns. Alexander had previous stints with the Lions in 2022-2023 where he spent time on both the active roster and the practice squad.

Could this be the year that Alexander has a breakout season for the Lions? So far in the preseason games, Alexander has three receptions for 46 yards.

Daurice Fountain

Before signing with the Lions this year, veteran wide receiver Daurice Fountain played for the Indianapolis Colts and the Kansas City Chiefs. Drafted by the Colts in the fifth round of the 2018 NFL draft, Fountain saw only limited playing time after injuring his ankle in his rookie season.

With 2 receptions for 15 yards, Fountain has been fairly quiet thus far in the preseason games.

Isaiah Williams

Based on his preseason performance, one player deserves a spot on the roster. Undrafted rookie free agent wide receiver Isaiah Williams is making a strong case for why he should be on the roster. In last week’s preseason game against Kansas City, the 5’10 186 lbs. Williams had six catches for 71 yards. He also proved his effectiveness as a punt returner, setting up the Lions’ final drive with a clutch 20-yard return.  Thus far in the preseason, Williams has 10 catches for 106 yards.

Williams brings an interesting skill set to the position.  In addition to his ability to play wide receiver and return punts, Williams played quarterback his first two years at the University of Illinois. As a quarterback, Williams completed 26 of 63 passes for 393 yards with four touchdowns and two interceptions. But it was his rushing ability that set Williams apart. As a freshman, Williams was credited with 63 carries for 389 yards with a touchdown. Switching to play wide receiver in 2021, Williams led the team over the next two seasons with a total of 129 receptions for 1,369 yards and nine touchdowns.

As a multi-faceted player, Williams has a lot to offer to the Lions roster, and his passing ability could add a nice element to OC Ben Johnson’s offensive scheme on trick plays.

Eric Seals / USA TODAY NETWORK

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