St. Brown's game stands out not only because of his route running, but also because of his physicality as a blocker. He has emphasized how hard blocking can make defenders hesitate and create opportunities downfield. After leading the Lions with 90 receptions in 2021, he established himself as a receiver opponents had to account for on every play.
Trojans
St. Brown's skill set has always extended beyond catching passes. During his time at USC, he showed he could make an impact in multiple ways. On October 25, 2019, against Colorado, he took the Trojans' opening carry 37 yards for a touchdown. His combination of toughness, determination and ability to break tackles made him a versatile weapon, while his receiving ability remained his defining strength.
Comparison to Hines Ward
Comparisons between players are usually avoided by coaches, but Lions offensive coordinator Anthony Lynn saw a clear connection between St. Brown and former Steelers standout Hines Ward. Lynn pointed specifically to St. Brown's blocking ability and physical style of play as the basis for the comparison.
Detroit Lions
December proved to be a particularly productive month for St. Brown during his rookie season. In December 2021, he hauled in 35 receptions, the most by a Lions rookie in any month in franchise history. His 340 receiving yards ranked second among Lions rookies for a single month. His performance earned him NFL Offensive Rookie of the Month honors.
Wide Receiver
Herman Moore set the Lions' record with three consecutive 100-catch seasons from 1995–97. St. Brown matched that level of production in 2024, finishing with 115 receptions. The performance helped earn him his third Pro Bowl selection and his second consecutive First Team All-Pro honor.
2021 Season
St. Brown's 2021 rookie campaign picked up momentum as the season progressed. After a steady start, he emerged as the Lions' primary receiving target and became one of the NFL's most talked-about rookies. The fourth-round selection finished the season with a remarkable closing stretch, recording at least eight receptions in each of his final six games.
Amon-Ra St. Brown
St. Brown entered the NFL with a strong production record already established at the college level. He finished his USC career with 178 receptions before being selected by the Lions in the fourth round of the 2021 NFL Draft. Detroit quickly recognized his experience as a pass catcher and incorporated him into the offensive plan alongside quarterback Jared Goff.
Position
Wide Receiver
Height
5'11"
Weight
197 lbs
Year
5
Year 5
Entering his fifth NFL season, the question surrounding St. Brown was no longer whether he could reach an elite level, but how high that ceiling could go. His continued production suggested significant room for growth. In 2024, he earned First Team All-Pro honors for the second consecutive year and made his third Pro Bowl after recording a career-high 12 touchdown receptions.
ESPN Ranking
St. Brown entered the 2025 season ranked No. 6 in ESPN.com's preseason list of the NFL's top 10 wide receivers. His versatility was a major reason for the recognition. One coordinator highlighted his football instincts, ability to understand leverage, physical approach and effectiveness both inside and outside.
USC
As a freshman at USC in 2016, St. Brown led the team with 60 receptions, 750 receiving yards and three touchdowns. That performance placed him alongside former USC receivers Mike Williams (2002), Dwayne Jarrett (2004) and Robert Woods (2010) as one of the program's few true freshmen to lead the team in receptions during a season.
Lions Draft War Room
Behind-the-scenes footage from the 2021 NFL Draft captured owner Sheila Ford Hamp questioning what the Lions would do if they failed to select a wide receiver after opening the draft with an offensive tackle and defensive tackle. That concern was quickly put to rest when Detroit selected St. Brown in the fourth round with the No. 112 overall pick.