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Detroit Lions: Now’s the time to move Eric Ebron

By Steven Mullenax

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - OCTOBER 1: Eric Ebron #85 of the Detroit Lions runs with the ball in the first half of the game against the Minnesota Vikings on October 1, 2017 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - OCTOBER 1: Eric Ebron #85 of the Detroit Lions runs with the ball in the first half of the game against the Minnesota Vikings on October 1, 2017 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /
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With the NFL trade deadline looming, now’s the time for the Detroit Lions to get something for former first round pick, tight end Eric Ebron.

The Detroit Lions are no strangers to first round busts. 2015’s selection of Duke guard Laken Tomlinson is only the latest example. But in recent years, the Motor City has seemed to hit some home runs in the first round as well.

Players like defensive end Ziggy Ansah, left tackle Taylor Decker and linebacker Jarrad Davis all appear to be the young backbone this current Lions’ regime will build their legacy upon. But the one draft bust Detroit appears to be holding out hope for is tight end Eric Ebron.

The tenth overall selection in the 2014 NFL Draft has given the Lions reason for hope. Ebron has improved every season he’s been in the league. Posting a growing stat line each year, recording 25 receptions his rookie season, 47 more in 2015 and a career-high 61 catches last year.

Ebron is also only 24 years old. So there is still time for the former North Carolina Tar Heel to become the dominate tight end many believed him to be coming out of the draft. Ebron’s potential and yearly growth is the reason Detroit picked up his fifth-year option over the offseason.

But this year, Ebron appears to have regressed. And with the additions of tight end Darren Fells and fourth round rookie Michael Roberts to the roster in the offseason, now seems to be the perfect time for the Lions to get the most for Ebron in a trade. The league’s official website agrees.

"“While he looks the part at 6-foot-4 and 253 pounds, Ebron has failed to outshine fellow Lions tight end Darren Fells this autumn,” wrote Marc Sessler for NFL.com. “Admitting recently that he’s been “in the dumps,” Ebron is averaging a career-low 7.8 yards per reception for Detroit. The potential is there, though, making him an interesting trade candidate for the right team.”"

According to Sessler, three potential landing spots include the Denver Broncos, the Carolina Panthers or the Chicago Bears. Although the last one would be hard to swallow since it’s a divisional rival.

Ebron has caught 13 passes in six games this season on 26 targets, three of which were drops. The latter being something he’s struggled with his entire four-year career. In fact, Ebron had the third most dropped passes in the NFL last season with seven.

Signed through 2018, the Lions will likely not find a better time to move Ebron than now. If they try to do so next season, it will be for a low value player heading for free agency at year’s end. By trading Ebron now, a future team would have more time to benefit from his addition and to possibly turn his career around.

Next: Lions gameplan for beating the Steelers

So, it really feels like it’s now or never for the Detroit Lions to make that call on Eric Ebron. His value to a prospective team will likely never be higher.

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