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Are the Detroit Lions really all set at tight end?

By Steven Mullenax

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - AUGUST 13: Edwin Jackson #53 of the Indianapolis Colts makes a tackle against Michael Roberts #80 of the Detroit Lions in the first half of a preseason game at Lucas Oil Stadium on August 13, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - AUGUST 13: Edwin Jackson #53 of the Indianapolis Colts makes a tackle against Michael Roberts #80 of the Detroit Lions in the first half of a preseason game at Lucas Oil Stadium on August 13, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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After the Detroit Lions released former first round mistake Eric Ebron, they didn’t seem to have anyone to replace him. Now, it appears they just might.

Back in March, the Detroit Lions finally waved the white flag and officially gave up on former first round pick Eric Ebron. After spending the 10th overall selection in the 2014 NFL Draft on the North Carolina tight end, the 25-year old was released following four painful years of inconsistent play. Five days later and Ebron signed a two-year deal to join the Indianapolis Colts.

At the time, the only legitimate candidate to replace him on the roster was 2017 fourth round pick Michael Roberts. But the rookie tight end was used primarily as a blocker in limited snaps (220 on offense), racking up just four catches for 46 yards all year. But Roberts was also stuck behind both Ebron and Darren Fells on the depth chart. And Fells was lost in free agency to Cleveland Browns.

In response, the Lions added veterans Luke Willson and Levine Toilolo to the depth chart. Both tight ends were mostly used as blockers on their previous NFL teams as well, leaving Detroit with what appear to be a real need for a primary receiving target for quarterback Matthew Stafford at the position.

But during the Lions OTA’s this week, the tight ends shined as receivers. Perhaps Detroit believes they already have the players necessary at the position to be effective.

"“Catches of the day: There are two lucky winners today – both tight ends,” wrote Tim Twentyman for the team’s official website. “Michael Roberts had a terrific leaping catch in the end zone over safety Rolan Milligan. Luke Willson got behind Killebrew in a two-on-two drill, and made a great lunging catch in the corner of the end zone.“"

According to Justin Rogers of the Detroit News, Roberts hauled in multiple touchdown receptions during Thursday’s OTA session. The 6-foot-5, 265 pound tight end was a one-year wonder out of Toledo in 2017.

Roberts posted an incredible 16 touchdowns for the Rockets in the Mid-American Conference two years ago. He did so on 45 receptions for 533 yards. But his lack of production as a rookie and the fact he was suspended for essentially oversleeping in the Lions’ final game of last season didn’t bode well for the young man’s future in the Motor City.

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Michael Roberts has a real opportunity this season with the Detroit Lions. If Roberts can emerge as a viable receiving threat for quarterback Matthew Stafford and this pass-heavy offense, as well as provide their rushing attack with a competent run blocker at tight end, the sky is the limit for the second-year player. So far, it appears he is taking full advantage of that opportunity.

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