Just go into a zone to discover the dynasty value of Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown.
St. Brown flourished against the zone coverages last season, producing an NFL-high 84 receptions, 1,180 yards, and 56 first downs versus the defensive scheme, helping the Lions capture the NFC North title and make a playoff run to the conference championship game.
Recognized by most NFL insiders as one of the league’s top-five playmakers, St. Brown compiled 511 yards after the catch and six touchdowns against the zone. But when defending St. Brown, coordinators can pick their poison.
Amon-Ra St. Brown Continues NFL Rise
St. Brown’s sense of open space helped him gain separation from defensive backs when they were assigned a coverage zone. But even when he faced man-on-man coverage, his precise route-running often often created an edge. With 315 career receptions for 3,588 yards and 21 touchdowns, St. Brown has steadily increased his production during his first three seasons.
In 2023, he finished with 119 catches for 1,515 yards and 10 TDs, all career highs.
In 2024, NFL insiders expect the rising production trend to continue.
Following a slow start during his rookie season, lowlighted by the Lions opening 0-10-1, St. Brown and Goff finally found their rhythm in Week 13.
Since then, St. Brown has become one of fantasy football’s top 10 producers, regardless of position.
St. Brown could outscore Goff again. If he’s available on any draft board, think twice before passing.
According to PFF.com, St. Brown has earned a 91.2 grade, the fourth highest among the ‘21 draft class.
With the WR draft board loaded with talent, featuring Ja’Marr Chase, DeVonta Smith and Jaylen Waddle, St. Brown fell to No. 112 overall because some scouts felt he struggled getting off the line against physical cornerbacks. They questioned his toughness? Did they interview members of his athletic family?
Since his rookie training camp in Allen Park, Mich., St. Brown has competed with a grudge that he was the 17th wide receiver picked. Players like Dez Fitzpatrick, Amari Rodgers and Anthony Schwartz were considered better prospects.
Through three seasons, St. Brown has outproduced all of his draft peers. He has compiled 47 more regular-season catches than Chase, 64 more than Waddle and 75 more than Smith. St. Brown plays with a grudge.
#Lions WR Amon-Ra St. Brown was scanning the Commanders sideline during Sunday's game looking for WR Dyami Brown, who was taken ahead of him in the 2021 NFL Draft.
"I don't forget things like that. … I didn't see him in the game much."
(🎥 @Lions) pic.twitter.com/YkmQXyNFRl
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) September 21, 2022
St. Brown (Now) Likes Detroit
During the fourth round of the 2021 NFL Draft, St. Brown noticed a call from the 313-area code. “What the f***!” he said.
There was one team the former Southern California standout wanted to pick him: the Green Bay Packers. There was one team he didn’t want to pick him: the Lions. Guess who the call came from?
After signing a four-year, $120 million extension last April, St. Brown apparently has accepted his draft destiny.
The Lions enter training camp as a Super Bowl favorite. St. Brown, and his connection with quarterback Jared Goff, is a major reason for the once despondent franchise evolving into a multi-season contender. Goff also signed a contract extension this offseason – and was married last weekend. St. Brown was one of Goff’s guests of honor. As St. Brown’s relationship with Goff continues developing, their union could dictate the level of success the up-and-coming Lions eventually ascend.
WR1 (Amon-Ra St. Brown) was in attendance to celebrate at Jared Goff & Christen Harper’s wedding this past weekend 🤩#OnePride pic.twitter.com/FbjFQFyw6H
— Natalie Sparbeck (@NatSparbeck) June 24, 2024
Main Photo: Junfu Han-USA TODAY NETWORK
