Detroit Lions: What if the tight ends don’t produce?

There has been much concern about the Detroit Lions tight ends ability to contribute to the passing game, but what would happen if they don’t?

The Detroit Lions had one of the more explosive passing attacks in the NFL last season, but now with the release of former first round pick Eric Ebron and Darren Fells signing with Cleveland, the tight end position has become a question mark.

So what if the everyone’s fears come true and all the Lions current tight ends simply cannot contribute in any reasonable way? How much of a problem would this be?

This has been an interesting question that has been posed many times since that fateful moment just before free agency started that general manager Bob Quinn and new Lions head coach Matt Patricia made the call to release Ebron.

I’m sure that losing Fells came as a surprise to the Lions brass (especially to Cleveland, who voluntarily goes there?), but if life in the NFL teaches front office personnel and coaches anything, it’s that change happens every year.

This of course to led to the Lions signing former Seattle tight end Luke Willson and Levine Toilolo who was previously Atlanta’s blocking tight end.

Neither are household names and neither is a can’t miss bet to be a productive receiver.

The Lions also have last years fourth round pick Michael Roberts to add into the tight end mix. Last year Roberts contributed very little as a receiver, but did make progress as a blocker.

The Lions also recently signed Sean McGrath who spent the last three seasons with the Chargers.

If your feeling underwhelmed by the Lions options at tight end, then you’re not alone. The tight end position has caused more consternation for fans of the Honolulu Blue and Silver then any other position, outside of the defensive line, and fans are wondering if this group will actually succeed or fail miserably.