For the 2024 NFL season, who is the top breakout prospect for the Detroit Lions?

Josh Reynolds, who left the Detroit Lions this offseason in free agency to join the Denver Broncos after finishing second among receivers in yards in 2023, will need the wide receivers to step up in 2024.

Given that, it makes sense that one of the Lions’ other receivers who isn’t Amon-Ra St. Brown—who has already shown himself and won the ball—could have a breakout game.

In terms of a breakout prospect for Detroit, wide receiver Kalif Raymond is the one to watch, according to Bradley Locker of Pro Football Focus. Before we discuss why he is mistaken, let’s look at what he said about it.

The Lions’ receivers behind Amon-Ra St. Brown all gained ground in the hierarchy after Josh Reynolds left for Denver. Brad Holmes has faith in players like Raymond to take Reynolds’ role as the wideout in the passing game because Detroit did not choose a wideout in the draft.

Raymond was third on the Lions in receiving grade the previous season, and in an offense that enjoys passing the ball, he should be in line for a career-high target share.

Here, Jameson Williams, a first-round selection in 2022, is conspicuously absent. After all, when you factor in rising star tight end Sam LaPorta, he will be the No. 2 wide receiver behind St. Brown and no worse than the No. 3 option in the passing game. He will have more chances and snaps than Raymond just from that.

Although Williams had two unimpressive seasons to begin his career, he also had to contend with recovering from injury and a gambling suspension during those two seasons, so the jury is still very much out on him.

With Reynolds gone, he is in a terrific position to make an impact in 2024. With LaPorta and St. Brown scaring opposing teams over the middle, he should have no trouble finding one-on-one opportunities outside.

Raymond is ranked as the third receiver on the depth chart, therefore it is extremely possible that he will have a career year in 2024. Williams, though, has just more room to grow.