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NFC North Power Rankings: 2018 pass catchers

By Brian Sampson

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - OCTOBER 15: Adam Thielen #19 of the Minnesota Vikings reaches for a first down while being tackled by Lenzy Pipkins #41 of the Green Bay Packers during the third quarter of the game on October 15, 2017 at US Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - OCTOBER 15: Adam Thielen #19 of the Minnesota Vikings reaches for a first down while being tackled by Lenzy Pipkins #41 of the Green Bay Packers during the third quarter of the game on October 15, 2017 at US Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images) /
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DETROIT, MI – DECEMBER 29: Golden Tate #15 of the Detroit Lions runs for yardage against the Green Bay Packers during the first half at Little Caesars Arena on December 29, 2017 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI – DECEMBER 29: Golden Tate #15 of the Detroit Lions runs for yardage against the Green Bay Packers during the first half at Little Caesars Arena on December 29, 2017 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

2. Detroit Lions

The Detroit Lions have quietly put together an underrated core of skill players. They ranked sixth in the NFL last season with 261 passing yards per game. Unfortunately, they had zero running game to complement their air attack.

Still, Matthew Stafford threw for his seventh straight 4,000 plus yard season and continued to impress everyone in the NFL. He had two 1,000 yard receivers to throw to in Marvin Jones (1101) and Golden Tate (1003). Rising rookie Kenny Golladay also collected 477 yards as well. That trio should produce again in 2018.

At tight end, they lost Eric Ebron who racked up 574 receiving yards last season, third-most on the team. Even though he was always underwhelming, it’s a big loss for the Lions. They did sign Luke Willson as a replacement. However, Willson isn’t nearly the type of receiver Ebron is.

Overall, Detroit pushes for the number one spot on this list, but falls just short after the loss of Ebron to their receiving corps.

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