Golladay claims a place among NFL’s star receivers

Kenny Golladay made the first Pro Bowl of his career in 2019. If the Lions use their breakout receiver wisely, the team could put together one of its best seasons in recent history. That’s the kind of game-changing ability Golladay possesses.

Touchdowns are unpredictable, especially for wide receivers. However, plenty of star pass-catchers established themselves as touchdown machines in the past. Golladay seems well on his way to joining that group. He’s already Detroit’s best receiver since Calvin Johnson.

Golladay’s exceptional frame also makes him a lethal threat. The 6-4, 214-pound Northern Illinois product specializes in vertical routes that gash defenses for huge chunks of yardage. Over his first three seasons, Golladay averaged 16.7 yards per reception, including a career-high 18.3 yards per catch in 2019.

Beating defenses deep contributed to Golladay’s 11 receiving touchdowns last year. However, the 26-year-old’s size also played a factor. According to Pro Football Focus (PFF), Golladay has the highest receiving grade on contested catches over the past two seasons. He became Detroit’s top offensive threat in 2019.

Assuming Stafford stays healthy, Golladay realistically could amass 75 receptions for 1,300 yards and ten touchdowns in 2020. Fantasy football analysts warn against using touchdowns as predictions for success from one season to another, but Golladay is a massive vertical threat. The Lions must feed him the same way they did Johnson in crucial situations.

Between getting Stafford back and drafting D’Andre Swift, Detroit’s offense should reach new heights in 2020. Despite the team’s lackluster history, the Lions could give Green Bay or Minnesota a run for their money.