Michael Roberts was drafted last year by the Lions, but was slow in his development. Bob Quinn was very high on Roberts when he drafted him and during the preseason he flashed some of the reasons why. Yet his contributions were limited and he will need to develop much more before he can be a consistent contributor.
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Free agent signee Levine Toilolo has seen more use as a blocker than as a receiver and with good reason. His 6’8″ 268 lb body is almost like having another lineman on the field.
Toilolo will have opportunities to prove himself in the exhibition season, but unlike Darren Fells who proved he was more than a blocker last season, Toilolo will probably earn the vast majority of his contract as a blocker.
This pretty much leaves us with former Seattle Seahawk and resident Canadian import, Luke Willson. However, despite the extra ‘L’ which might be for luck, who knows, Willson may be one of the most underrated players on the Lions roster.
Willson spent his time in Seattle backing up first Zach Miller, then Jimmy Graham. The fact that he hasn’t put up impressive numbers has more to do with the lack of opportunities than lack of talent.
Now I’m not saying that Willson will be the next Kellen Winslow or Tony Gonzalez, but he came into the NFL as a receiving tight end. Not a blocker. However, he worked on the blocking part of his game in Seattle and it showed as he became a very passable blocker.
Yet in a situation where he is surrounded by Lions receivers that demand attention, Willson will have every opportunity to contribute to the passing game. He has the ability to work the middle of the field and the seam and his hands have been reliable.
While he may not be the big name player everyone wants, he may very well prove to be a valuable signing. As long as he can stay healthy.