The Detroit Lions have lost their second-best receiver as Josh Reynolds departed to join the Denver Broncos in free agency. However, they are considering using their first-round draft pick to bolster their wide receiver corps.
According to analyst Lauren Gray from Pro Football Focus, there’s a possibility that the Lions might surprise everyone by selecting Florida wide receiver Ricky Pearsall in the first round, even though Pearsall is typically projected as a second-day draft pick. Gray highlighted Pearsall’s strengths, such as his agility, route-running skills, and dependable hands, positioning him as one of the premier slot receivers in the draft. Pearsall’s impressive stats from his time at Florida further support the case for him being a valuable addition to the Lions’ lineup. 
Gray also suggested that other teams, like the Buffalo Bills, might be interested in drafting Pearsall before the Lions get the chance at the 29th overall pick. However, the Lions still have promising offensive weapons, including Amon-Ra St. Brown, Sam LaPorta, and Jameson Williams.
Pearsall’s stock rose significantly after standout performances at both the Senior Bowl and the NFL Combine. His impressive combine results, particularly his agility metrics and vertical jump, further solidified his status as a top prospect.
Alternatively, the Lions could explore trading their first-round pick for an established wide receiver, with Tee Higgins of the Cincinnati Bengals being a potential target, according to speculation from Benjamin Solak of The Ringer. ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. also suggested Texas wide receiver Adonai Mitchell as a possible pick for the Lions, highlighting his speed and touchdown record as appealing attributes for Detroit’s roster, which is already viewed as talented and relatively well-rounded.
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