Notes: NFL Network on Amon-Ra St. Brown: ‘I think he’s going to have a big year’

The Detroit Lions went into the NFL Draft needing some long-term help at the wide receiver position. And while they waited until Day 3 of the draft to address that need, the player they got could have an immediate impact on the team.

Former USC Amon-Ra St. Brown fills an immediate need at slot receiver, and he brings a chip on his shoulder the size of Texas. NFL Network’s James Jones, a former NFL receiver himself, believes St. Brown is the most under-the-radar rookie receiver this year and expecting big things in 2020.

“They are going to be playing (from) behind in a lot of games,” Jones said. “So that means you’re going to have to throw the ball to make some plays. This guy is an excellent route runner to go up and make plays, and make some tough catches. He will get a lot of targets and a lot of opportunities to be able to show what he can do. I think he’s going to have a big year.”

Brown is coming off two solid seasons with the USC Trojans. In 2019, he put up a team-high 1,042 receiver yards to go along with six touchdowns. In just six games in 2020, he tallied 478 yards and seven touchdowns.

“A guy that’s got savvy, knows how to run routes, has hands, and makes plays from inside and out, we’re really excited about him,” Lions general manager Brad Holmes said about St. Brown the night he drafted him. “He was a guy that actually we strongly considered yesterday to consider.”

Brown already made a strong impression during rookie minicamp. We’ll see if he can continue that momentum into this week, as he joins the veterans for Organized Team Activities.

• Last week, we noted how Michigan’s COVID restrictions being lifted seemed to pave the way for a full Ford Field this fall. It appears now official that the Lions have been given the green light open at full capacity:

• Lions rookie running back Jermar Jefferson chatted with media following rookie minicamp, and it appears he’s already learned a lot from Duce Staley and the Lions coaching staff.

• PFF’s series of listicles continues with the top 32 edge defenders in the league. Despite his breakout season, Romeo Okwara did not make the list. But the Lions were not shut out:

• Does Jahlani Tavai have a future in Detroit? Lions Wire Jeff Risdon tackled that question over at Lions Wire.

• ESPN superstar Kenny Maine hosted his final SportsCenter on Monday, and he went out a freakin’ legend: