The Detroit Lions lost major impact in their receiving corps when veteran Calvin Johnson retired this year. Johnson had been on the decline, both in terms of health and impact, but he was still a dangerous weapon in the passing game, averaging 0.83 Reception NEP per target since 2011.
Marvin Jones likely won’t bring the kind of earthshaking impact that future Hall of Famer Johnson did, but he’s a compelling and reliable option with size. He can aid quarterback Matthew Stafford in the transition away from having his safety blanket in Johnson, as Jones has a career 0.76 Reception NEP per target on 215 targets, as well as a 62.3 percent Catch Rate. The ride should be fun for him in an expanded role.