By Michael Stets
The Detroit Lions announced on Monday the signing 2017 third-round draft pick Kenny Golladay. Contract terms were not disclosed.
Drafted No. 96 overall out of Northern Illinois, Golladay was the last of the Lions’ nine 2017 draft picks to sign with the team. The other eight players in this year’s draft class signed back in May.
The Chicago, Ill. native finished his 2016 season with 87 catches, 1,156 receiving yards and eight touchdowns. He was a first team All-MAC selection and became the first player in school history to post back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons for the Huskies.
Golladay’s college career began at North Dakota, but after one season and a coaching change, he left Grand Forks, N.D. behind. He then made his own highlight reel and with the help of his old coach Todd Kuska from St. Rita High School, was able to get it out to college coaches to draw some interest. Golladay transferred to Northern Illinois and sat out the 2014 season before playing his junior and senior seasons for the Huskies. He finished at NIU with 18 touchdowns on 160 receptions and 2,491 yards.
Golladay, 23, has looked outstanding so far during the rookie mini-camp, OTAs and the three-day mandatory mini-camp. The 6′ 4″ receiver showcased his size, speed and ability to go up and make tough catches both downfield and in the end zone on multiple occasions. And he’s received praise from head coach Jim Caldwell, offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter as well as his veteran wide out Golden Tate.
With the departure of Anquan Boldin, who led the Lions with eight touchdowns in 2016, Golladay is expected to earn the No. 3 receiver role for the upcoming season, and help fill that void, especially in the red zone. He will be a player to keep an eye on when Lions training camp opens up on July 31.