Corey Fuller is Starting to Emerge With the Detroit Lions

Oct 19, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions wide receiver Corey Fuller (10) celebrates his touchdown with wide receiver Calvin Johnson (81) and teammates during the fourth quarter against the New Orleans Saints at Ford Field. Detroit won 24-23. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

The Virginia Tech Hokies plenty of defensive players that have gone on to have NFL success but they also have had some talented offensive players including guys like Eddie Royal. Kyle Fuller has taken off as a rookie for the Chicago Bears and looks like someone that is a serious contender to win Defensive Rookie of the Year.

Meanwhile, one of his brothers is starting to emerge at a division rival.

Corey Fuller did not have a single reception in 2013 and finally got his chance to play for the Detroit Lions this season after he was selected by Detroit in the sixth round of the 2013 NFL Draft. However, the injury to Calvin Johnson have given a couple players the chance to get some playing time across from Golden Tate and Fuller has been solid.

Fuller only had 1 reception for 52 yards in the first four games but Fuller has started to become a more significant contributor in the last few weeks. Fuller has had 11 of his 12 receptions in the last four games with 3 catches in three of his last four games and 2 receptions in the other game.

Overall, Fuller has had 12 catches for 178 yards and 1 touchdown on the season though Fuller has been targeted 23 times by Detroit Lions QB Matthew Stafford. Fuller’s numbers could be bigger if he could catch a higher percentage of the passes that are being thrown in his direction

It is likely that Fuller will be the third receiver for the Detroit Lions once Calvin Johnson makes his return but Fuller’s production should likely not decline much after that. Fuller could do some damage out of the slot though he will likely have to battle Theo Riddck some for playing time as the number 3 receiver out of the slot but the Lions might use them both with Riddick being a receiver out of the backfield.

Kyle Fuller has deservedly got tons of publicity for his big rookie season but his brother Corey Fuller is starting to emerge in Detroit.