Post Draft Prediction for the Detroit Lions 53-Man Roster
By Justin Simon
Tight Ends
Dec 28, 2013; Charlotte, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels tight end Eric Ebron (85) runs after a catch during the third quarter against the Cincinnati Bearcats in the Belk Bowl at Bank of America Stadium. Carolina defeated Cincinnati 39-17. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Currently on the roster: Eric Ebron, Brandon Pettigrew, Joseph Fauria, Michael Williams, Jacob Maxwell, and Jordan Thompson
I think the Lions will eventually narrow their tight end group down to three, and it’s pretty easy to guess who will stay.
Eric Ebron bring a lot of flexibility to the Lions offense and will instantly upgrade what the Lions had last year. Pettigrew is decent (and overpaid) tight end who may only be on the roster for another year. He’s a little bit of a jack-of-all, master-of-none, type player. He’s had several leg injuries since entering the league and he hasn’t really been the same player that the Lions drafted 5 years ago. He’ll be much better served as the Lions number two tight end.
At this point, Fauria is what he is. He a mammoth target in the redzone and can be effective as a role player in the offense. People clamoring that Fauria and Ebron are comparable players aren’t watching tape. I think down the road you could see Fauria groomed to be the complement to Ebron in the passing game.
My Guess: Eric Ebron, Brandon Pettigrew, and Joseph Fauria (3)