If the latest NFL Draft rumors are true, the Lions might be shopping wide receiver Jamison Williams as trade bait. Brad Holmes could “strike gold” by trading for wide receiver Matthew Golden.
Lions’ Brad Holmes Could Strike Gold Again at the Draft
Matthew Golden -Texas Wide Receiver
These rumors originated when the Lions hosted Golden for a Top-30 Pre-Draft Visit. Projected as the number three receiver behind Travis Hunter and Tetairoa McMillan, experts predict the Dallas Cowboys will draft Golden with the 12th overall selection in the first round. Golden fits the bill for Dallas if they’re looking for a talented receiver to pair with Cee Dee Lamb. Therefore, it’s doubtful the team would enter a trade for Williams.
Jamison Williams As Draft Trade Bait
However, ‘Jamo’ is an attractive trade candidate for a team seeking a proven talent. A fan favorite in Detroit, he was the number two receiver behind Amon-Ra St. Brown. Williams was terrific last season, boasting 1,002 receiving yards and seven touchdowns.
Unlike rookies with a learning curve, Williams is a proven NFL commodity who will contribute immediately. Very few rookies transition quickly to make an immediate impact. LA Chargers Ladd McConkey (1,149 yards with seven touchdowns) and New York Giants Malik Nabors (1,204 with seven touchdowns) are the exception rather than the rule.
However, draft analysts question Williams’ trade value, saying he is worth only a 4th or 5th-round pick. Part of their rationale may stem from Williams’ history of gambling suspensions and other off-field issues. But more likely, it’s due to the hefty price tag contract of approximately $30 million per year that Williams could command if he matches his 2024 performance numbers.
Holmes Unlikely To Engage In Surprise Draft Trade
Given Detroit’s other more pressing needs in the draft, it’s unlikely Detroit would risk their first-round pick on a wide receiver. Detroit’s top draft priorities are adding depth at EDGE to pair with Aidan Hutchinson and finding a replacement for guard Kevin Zeitler, who was lost to free agency.
Holmes has said his draft strategy is simple. Regardless of positional need, he drafts the best player available that meets the Lions’ criteria and fits the team culture. Should a superior talent “fall” to Holmes in the draft, he would select him, but it’s more likely he has a different strategy.
In past drafts, Holmes has earned a reputation for superior scouting ability of underrated talent. He struck gold with the fourth-round selection of Amon-Ra St. Brown, and again when he traded up to acquire star running back Jahmyr Gibbs.
Instead of trading Williams, the Lions would retain him with the understanding that he maintains his productivity and stays out of trouble. If he does, the Lions pick up his fifth-year extension, and Williams earns a new contract.
Holmes Could Strike Gold With A Lower Ranked Talent
However, as an insurance policy, Holmes could draft a mid-round receiver who has flown under the radar thus far and is another diamond in the rough. In addition to Golden, the Lions met with several other wide receivers in the team’s Top-30 Pre-Draft visits. Here are two prospects who could meet the team’s standards.
Isaac TeSlaa – Arkansas
At 6’4” and 214 lbs, Arkansas senior Isaac TeSlaa warrants the Lions’ consideration. Rated at the NFL Combine as a “Good Backup With The Potential To Develop Into A Starter,” he placed 1st in the Athleticism drills with an impressive score of 96.
Deceptively fast for his size, TeSlaa ran an impressive 4.43 in the 40-yard dash at the combine. He possesses large 10” hands, giving him solid pass-catching ability. Furthermore, TeSlaa is a competent blocker, a trait the Lions value in a prospect. Described by NFL Analyst Lance Zierlein as a big slot receiver who “can mismatch smaller cornerbacks with his frame and play strength and a reliable pass catcher when contested,” TeSlaa is projected to be a 4th or 5th-round pick.
Elic Ayomanor – Stanford
Another Top-30 Pre-Draft prospect for Detroit is Stanford University’s Elic Ayomanor. An attractive 6’2″ 210 lb. prospect from Canada, Ayomanor has strong route-running capability. Although he struggled with ball tracking and is prone to dropping balls, Zeirlein sees potential. He praised his work ethic and “traits for rapid improvement.” Ayomanor’s hunger for success suggests a prospect willing to do what it takes to improve.
A few years ago, Zierlein similarly described another prospect’s potential. In his summary, he described him as having “below-average separation, burst out of breaks, and very little grit in his run blocking.” Zierlein wrote, “nothing dazzling about his athletic profile or overall game, but he’s a solid football player with a chance to become a starting slot in the future.”
Even the most respected analysts get it wrong sometimes. Thankfully, Holmes viewed the prospect differently. He drafted him with the 112th pick in the 2021 draft, and that prospect was Amon-Ra St. Brown. Holmes may strike gold again this year, drafting another future superstar.
Main Photo: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
