The Detroit Lions are currently rebuilding their franchise, however, they should still provide a few fantasy football assets in 2021. D’Andre Swift aims to be one of the top running back options this year, while TJ Hockenson is a potential breakout tight end. As usual, Jared Goff provides streaming value in the quarterback position, as he’ll have opportunities to provide solid numbers based on his weekly matchups.
Outside of those three, there aren’t many other fantasy football options in Detroit. However, when it comes to the later rounds of fantasy drafts, there is one Lions receiver flying under the radar. The rookie wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown could be a huge steal this year, as the Lions’ fourth-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft has picked up steam in training camp.
It’ll be interesting to see how he develops as a prospect, but he’s in a great situation to achieve success right out of the gate. Due to Detroit’s poor wide receiver core, many aren’t aiming for St. Brown in their redraft leagues. Even so, there are a couple of reasons why he should be on everybody’s rankings. Let’s take a deeper look into Amon-Ra St. Brown’s situation in Detroit.
Fantasy Football Outlook: Amon-Ra St. Brown
Decent College Production
Coming out of USC, Amon-Ra St. Brown played three years with the Trojans. He served as a consistent pass option each season, playing as a versatile weapon in the slot and the outside. During his career, St. Brown recorded 178 receptions, 2,270 receiving yards, 16 receiving touchdowns, and one additional rushing touchdown. Considering he only played six games in 2020 due to COVID-19, these numbers are rather impressive for a rookie entering the league.
Many believed the Lions would target a wide receiver sooner in the NFL Draft. Instead, the front office stuck with a game plan and focused on the trenches and defense. Dan Campbell and the coaching staff had to feel pleasantly surprised when St. Brown fell to them in the fourth round. He has the college stats and experience to provide the production Detroit needs to elevate the passing game. Based on St. Brown’s tenure at USC, there is no reason to believe his skillset won’t translate at the professional level.
In a Favorable Situation
The Lions’ front office chose to not re-sign either Kenny Golladay or Marvin Jones Jr. in the free agency period. Instead, Detroit opted for Tyrell Williams and Breshad Perriman to replace Golladay and Jones. For now, Williams and Perriman will serve as the starting wide receivers in Detroit and they will be drafted in fantasy football leagues as such. Although that’s true, there’s a solid chance both players become droppable sooner, rather than later.
As of right now, Amon-Ra St. Brown is the third option receiver behind Tyrell Williams and Quintez Cephus. Although that’s true, there is still plenty of time for St. Brown to climb the depth chart. In fact, St. Brown has caught the eye of Dan Campbell throughout training camp with stellar play. Additionally, St. Brown is the only receiver on the roster who stays after practice to continue working on his skillset. Between the continuous impressive plays he’s making in training camp, coupled with his strong work ethic, it won’t be long before St. Brown earns a vital role in the Lions’ offense.
TJ Hockenson will serve as the Lions’ top passing option in fantasy football. Williams and Perriman don’t provide much fantasy value outside of being named the starting wide receivers on the roster. Both of those guys are considered deep threats when Goff’s playstyle is more suitable for quick receivers who run short to intermediate routes. For that reason, St. Brown could quickly become Goff’s favorite target outside of Hockenson, making him a worthy asset in fantasy football.
What’s the Risk in Fantasy Football?
The question has to be asked for every player in fantasy football. However, for Amon-Ra St. Brown, there is little, to no risk whatsoever in drafting him. In 10-12 team leagues, the Lions’ rookie receiver is going late in drafts more often than not. Based on how everything could play out in Detroit, St. Brown is more likely to become a free agent acquisition off the waiver wire in the middle of the season.
With that said, there is a chance St. Brown climbs the depth chart before the start of the regular season. If that’s the case, he’ll become a valuable late-round flier in fantasy football this year. There is a real chance you can draft the Lions starting wide receiver within the final three picks of your fantasy football drafts. Regardless of how his rookie campaign plays out, that is ridiculous value for a starting wideout in the NFL. Get ahead of the curve and use one of your final draft selections on Amon-Ra St. Brown.
