Receiving Market Share

When it comes to the receiving game, it appears Bevell plays favorites, but in reality, that isn’t necessarily true. Each year, there is a preferred option who receives the clear majority of targets, but who that is can vary.

In 2011, Doug Baldwin was the WR1 option, but in 2012, he took a backseat to Sidney Rice and Golden Tate. Tate took the top spot in 2013 but left for the Lions that offseason and Baldwin has led the way since.

The other noticeable trend over Bevell’s time in Seattle is the third wide receiver is relegated to the fourth or even fifth option on offense (save his first season in 2011).

Bevell doesn’t shy away from using running backs as receiving options — which plays into the strengths of Kerryon Johnson and Theo Riddick — but he heavily relies on the tight end position, too.

In 2012-13, Seattle used Zach Miller at tight end and his balanced skill sets earned him the third most targets during that time. In 2014, the Seahawks turned to Luke Willson but his lack of production pushed the tight end targets down to fifth on the team. The following season, Seattle traded for pass catching phenom Jimmy Graham and he vaulted the position into the second highest market share on the team for the next three seasons.

Erik’s bottom line

Bevell’s offenses historically favor a tight end over the third wide receiver and as the Lions will be looking to upgrade both positions in free agency, expect the tight end to be prioritized over the slot receiver need.

Slot receiver is still a need on the Lions roster, but don’t expect the Lions to be overly aggressive in acquiring one, whereas the tight end spot should be heavily targeted in free agency and in the draft as well — potentially as early as the second round.