Detroit Lions: Complete 7-round 2019 NFL Mock Draft 4.0

The Lions desperately need a play-making tight end to lead that position group. After drafting Michael Roberts a few years ago (which hasn’t worked out) and letting Eric Ebron walk in free agency last year, the Lions had one of the worst tight end groups in the league. As of right now the only tight ends worth mentioning on the roster are recent free agent signees Jesse James and Logan Thomas, as well as third year player Roberts.

While James is a solid number two tight end that the Lions can rely on as a blocker and as a dependable pass catcher, though they shouldn’t expect him to provide any big, splash plays. Because of the overall unknown that is the tight end room, the Lions would do well to draft a high-end tight end early this year.

There are three tight ends in this draft that I believe can become elite in the league; Noah Fant, T.J. Hockenson, and Irv Smith Jr. If the Lions can land one of these three players then their tight end room would begin to look much better. Here, they were able to land Smith in the second round.

Smith is a dynamic tight end that excels in all areas of the game. He is a good run blocker and comes from a system in college where he had to know pro style concepts as both a blocker and a receiver. Smith is one of the rare tight ends that can play both in-line and out wide and perform at high levels at both positions.

Smith has good speed for a tight end and reliable hands. He is a very good route runner and a refined technician in all areas of his game. In his last year at Alabama, Smith put up 710 yards and seven touchdowns on 44 receptions, which is pretty good when you remember that he was competing for touches with Josh Jacobs, Damien Harris, Jerry Jeudy, Henry Ruggs, and more talented players.