Amon-Ra St. Brown

St. Brown was perhaps the most unlikely fantasy hero of 2021. His final stat line isn't overwhelming, but he got there by finishing the year with six consecutive games of at least 10 targets, eight catches and 74 yards, scoring six TDs (one rushing) in that stretch. Neither particularly big nor fast, St. Brown nonetheless had some promise ahead of last year's draft, after catching 178 passes for 2,270 yards and 16 TDs in two and a half seasons at USC. He caught 60 passes as a true freshman, consistently earning targets while playing alongside Michael Pittman (and later Drake London). A 4.51 40-yard dash at USC's pro day may have contributed to the notion of St. Brown merely being a slot prospect, but he otherwise put up solid numbers, including a 38.5-inch vertical and 20 bench-press reps. The Lions drafted him early in the fourth round, initially installing him as their slot/third receiver. Eventually, though, his role expanded, with the rookie taking double-digit snaps on the perimeter each game from Week 12 on. He still played the slot, primarily, but the Lions got creative to spice up their otherwise moribund offense, even giving St. Brown seven carries over the final six weeks. He'll have more competition for touches this year, featured alongside running back D'Andre Swift and tight end T.J. Hockenson in the Detroit offense, with veteran wideout DJ Chark and speedy rookie Jameson Williams (coming back from a torn ACL in January) being the wild cards. TBD if St. Brown is still a target hog.

The 112th overall pick in this year's draft, St. Brown landed in a good spot. Not good in the sense he'll be vying for a Super Bowl ring, but he will have a chance to see targets right away in an unsettled passing game. Journeymen Tyrell Williams (who missed all of last year with a shoulder injury) and Kalif Raymond appear to pace the depth chart, while last year's fifth-rounder, the unestablished Quintez Cephus, has mostly worked with backups. At 5-11, 197, St. Brown, like Cephus, has poor timed speed (4.59 40), but still shows explosiveness (38.5-inch vertical, 127-inch broad jump). St. Brown probably projects best as a slot receiver, but he has the strength and physicality to operate on the outside if needed.