Detroit Lions’ early 53-man roster projections: Tight end
Last season, the Detroit Lions had a few question marks regarding the tight end position. Not much has deviated heading into 2017.
Injuries and lack of talent in 2016 resulted in a carousel of different tight ends. Continuous shuffling at the position wasn’t beneficial to the offense and was a weakness throughout the year. Fast forward to the present, the Detroit Lions‘ issues at the position could carry over.
IN
Implementation of more two tight end sets in this years’ offense only further justifies carrying four on the roster. The Lions for the second year in a row continue to quadruple down at the position.
Eric Ebron
Easily the most explosive option and most dangerous with the football in his hands. Problems staying healthy, blocking and dropping passes won’t keep him from being a lock for the roster.
Darren Fells
The best blocking tight end the roster has to offer makes him a no-brainer to keep on the roster. Amongst one of the leagues best blocking specialists, the Lions are also excited to tap into what looks to be a very impressive red zone target. Being under-used as a pass-catcher by the Arizona Cardinals means he could really explode as a receiving tight end this season.
Michael Roberts
Just drafted this year out of the University of Toledo in the fourth round to be the traditional tight end of the future. A lot is expected of the well-rounded rookie to perform considering the importance the offense puts on tight ends. He must be ready to be counted on as a receiver and as a blocker when his number is called upon.
Cole Wick
An amazing story out of last years’ training camp. The former undrafted free agent from the University of the Incarnate Word made the roster as a rookie. Once again, he will make the team and help provide solid depth to the tight end unit.
OUT
No one behind the top four tight ends are truly impressive enough to make the roster. Only an injury will open the door for any of them to make the roster.
Khari Lee
He may have been the fourth tight end last season, but he is out of luck this season. Injuries to teammates are what gave him an opportunity to be on the roster last year. Based on his blocking ability alone, it won’t be enough to make the Lions final cuts.
Brandon Barnes
Little is known about the undrafted rookie from Alabama State University. Size and experience as a blocker is what he has to offer. He is too raw and moving on from him is what’s best.
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Robert Tonyan Jr.
Very sneakily, this former Indiana State quarterback turned wide receiver could make tons of commotion in training camp. The undrafted free agent is gushing athleticism, but most likely needs a year to learn on the practice squad on how to be an all-purpose tight end.