Five Detroit Lions who are poised for a breakout season

Eric Ebron

Dec 7, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions tight end Eric Ebron (85) is tackled during the first quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

Jim Caldwell on Ebron via Detroit Free Pess

"“Let me tell you something,” Caldwell said at the NFL owners meetings Wednesday. “His off-season, to this point, has been pretty impressive. Now, I’m anticipating, just because I know kind of what he’s been doing, working at it, I’m anticipating to see a pretty significant rise in his performance.”"

On SeriousXM NFL radio Martin Mayhew said that Ebron can be the number third option in the offense. Expectations were already high in Ebron’s rookie season when many thought that Ebron would fill a Jimmy Graham type of role for the Lions despite tight ends typically having a steep learning curve. Even after a disappointing first season where expectations were fallen well short of coaches and players still think the sky’s the limit for Ebron.

Working out With Stafford this offseason and having time to digest the playbook will go a long way in the tight end’s development this year for the Lions. After all, Ebron’s struggles were not due to his athletic ability, but what could be summarized as thinking too much rather than just playing.  Ebron’s struggles in his first year can be explained by the learning curve for tight ends and perhaps being asked to do too much.

This season, expect a confident Ebron who just goes out and plays. The results could lead to one of the biggest spikes in production by any Lion this season.

Next: Corey Fuller