The Lions' depth chart at wide receiver has a cut-and-dry top three with Amon-Ra St. Brown, free-agent acquisition D.J. Chark and No. 12 overall pick Jameson Williams once his ACL fully recovers, but that hasn't stopped head coach Dan Campbell from being bullish on wideout Josh Reynolds.
"I like this guy, I'm kind of buying stock on him," Campbell told reporters on Saturday. "I think he could have a big year. He's a smooth athlete and he's a grinder, he's smart and Jared (Goff) trusts him. And so I can't say enough about that room in general, and he's a big piece of that."
Reynolds joined the Lions midway through 2021 after the Tennessee Titans released him. He amassed 19 receptions for 306 yards and two touchdowns in seven games with the team.
Beyond Reynolds' late-season contributions, his rapport with Goff thanks to four years spent together in Los Angeles was likely a major factor in the team bringing him back on a two-year deal.
Reynolds had to slowly carve out a supporting role behind Cooper Kupp and Robert Woods as a Rams fourth-round pick, but when called upon he displayed sure hands and a knack for finding holes in opposing defenses.
Goff connected with him for 113 receptions, 1,450 yards and nine touchdowns during their time together on the West Coast.
Now with half of a season under his belt in the Midwest, Reynolds is well on his way to finding yet another supplementary role, earning descriptors like "smooth" and "grinder" from his head coach.
Of course, a personality like Campbell can't stop there when enamored with the development of one of his players.
"I'll tell you what, he's different now," Campbell said, continuing to describe Reynolds. "He's a different athlete. He's slippery, man. I call him the praying mantis. He's a spider of death. He's just -- there's something about him. Freaking serpent. So, I love where he's at right now. I really do, I'm glad we got him."
Mantis, spider, serpent -- whatever his spirit animal -- Reynolds rounds out a WR corps that is capable of supporting Goff in a vital year for both the quarterback and the team.
Detroit had a gritty squad last year, going 3-13-1 but losing six games by just one possession. If a few bounces go their way, the 2022 Lions having pieces like Reynolds makes them capable of turning heads -- which is better than what mantises are known to do with them.
NFL+ gives you the freedom to watch LIVE out-of-market preseason games, LIVE local and prime-time regular-season and postseason games on your phone or tablet, the best NFL programming on-demand and more! Wherever you are, this is how you football! Learn more about NFL+.
Can Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey's step count lead to a healthy resurgence? Will Chiefs wide receiver Mecole Hardman fill Tyreek Hill's shoes? Keep up with the buzz as we track interesting items from training camp.
The Baltimore Ravens signed kicker Justin Tucker to a four-year extension through the 2027 season, the team announced Monday. Tucker, 32, had two years remaining on his previous deal.
Atlanta Falcons offensive lineman Jalen Mayfield has returned to the field after missing two practice with a lower back issue. Now he can return to battling for a starting spot.
The Ravens' season of redemption hit a familiar, concerning point Monday. Center Tyler Linderbaum, a first-round selection in April, has suffered a Lisfranc injury, NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo reported.
Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne is on the road back from a Lisfranc injury that ended his rookie season before it began, and he's welcoming contact along the way.
NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported Sunday that Harry left the Bears' practice early on Saturday after suffering an ankle injury, which Rapoport confirmed is a high ankle sprain. The timeline for recovery from this type of injury is six weeks, which would keep Harry out for at least the first two weeks of the season.
Did Josh Jacobs' heavy usage in the Raiders' first preseason game hint at the running back's future? How is Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel approaching the RB competition? Find out the buzz as we track interesting items of news from today's camp.
The Buffalo Bills activated offensive guard Rodger Saffold off the non-football injury list Sunday, clearing the way for the veteran to mold the line into a top unit in front of QB Josh Allen.
Cleveland Browns running back Kareem Hunt has requested a trade from the team with the regular season just a month away.
With the start of the season quickly approaching and Matthew Stafford still dealing with pain in his throwing elbow, the Rams QB and head coach Sean McVay both said after Saturday's successful practice they're not worried at all about the pace of his recovery.
NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported that Michael Thomas participated in team drills during the Saints' practices Saturday, noting that Thomas is a "full-go" in training camp.
Panthers head coach Matt Rhule on Saturday tabbed his team's Aug. 19 preseason tilt against the host New England Patriots as a proving ground in the QB battle between Baker Mayfield and Sam Darnold.
You won't want to miss a moment of the 2022 season!
NFL+ gives you the freedom to watch LIVE out-of-market preseason games, LIVE local and primetime regular season and postseason games on your phone or tablet, the best NFL programming on-demand, and MORE!
© 2022 NFL Enterprises LLC. NFL and the NFL shield design are registered trademarks of the National Football League.The team names, logos and uniform designs are registered trademarks of the teams indicated. All other NFL-related trademarks are trademarks of the National Football League. NFL footage © NFL Productions LLC.