Detroit Lions tight end shining early in training camp

With their top two tight ends from last season now playing elsewhere, the Detroit Lions need someone to step up and claim that starting role.

The Detroit Lions made some very drastic moves over the offseason to improve their team. They added running backs LeGarrette Blount and rookie Kerryon Johnson to bulk up their backfield. The Lions used their 2018 first-round pick on Arkansas center Frank Ragnow to complete the revamp of their offensive line.

And Detroit signed former the New England Patriots’ defensive coordinator, Matt Patricia, to become the franchise’s new head coach. Patricia’s mere presence was expected to instantly improve the Lions’ defense.

But one area that Detroit seem to under address this offseason was at the tight end position. The Lions released their starter, longtime underachiever Eric Ebron, in March. They also lost his primary backup, Darren Fells, to the Cleveland Browns via free agency.

That really only left the Motor City offense with 2017 fourth rounder Michael Roberts. The rookie tight end managed to record just four receptions for 46 yards last season behind both Ebron and Fells on the depth chart.

The Lions addressed this need at tight end by signing free agents Luke Willson and Levine Toilolo. Both veterans are known for being better blockers than receivers. So there was a real question as to where Detroit might find any offensive firepower at the position.

During OTA’s and minicamp, both Roberts and Willson seem to emerge as early favorites to be receiving threats from the position. But now that training camp is underway, Roberts has become a clear frontrunner.

According to ESPN’s Michael Rothstein, it was Roberts who turned in the best play of practice on Saturday.

"“The play of the day came from Lions tight end Michael Roberts, who had a difficult catch in the end zone while falling out of bounds from backup quarterback Matt Cassel over safety Miles Killebrew.”"

Justin Rogers of The Detroit News noted three significant catches made by Roberts during Saturday’s practice session. Two toe-tappers and a twisting grab while going to the ground.

Coming out of Toledo, Roberts was a one-year wonder. The 24-year old didn’t earn his first start until his junior year. But the 6-foot-5, 265-pound former basketball player exploded for 45 catches for 533 yards and 16 touchdowns as a senior.

All signs point to Michael Roberts becoming an offensive force for the Detroit Lions in 2018. The second-year tight end appears to be taking full advantage of his opportunity in the Motor City. And Roberts could become a dangerous end zone target for quarterback Matthew Stafford.