The biggest concern at tight end is the fact that there is no ‘headliner’ at the position.
At first glance, the position is just a group of guys that will be thrown out on the field with the hope that they will be able to produce at a level that will help this team win games.
After all, that is the top priority, winning games.
If the Lions where to finish the season 12-4 with no tight end catching more than 10 passes, but they contributed solid run blocking that aided a rejuvenated ground game, then we would have to believe the main goal had been accomplished.
As a matter of fact, the Lions have the capability and talent to run more four receiver sets to go without a tight end on the field in some situations to help compensate for the passing game.
Not to mention having Theo Riddick catching the ball out of the backfield and the fact that Ameer Abdullah could also contribute to the passing game.
Yet in the end, one of the staples of the New England Patriots offense is the contributions from the tight end position.
Sure having Rob Gronkowski makes a difference, but we need to consider the fact that Gronk has missed time in recent seasons with injuries and the Patriots have done what they always do; plug in someone else and they produce.
The biggest changes that Matt Patricia will make to Jim Bob Cooter’s offense will be in the run game, but it would not be surprising for him to want production out of the tight end position as well.