Did the Detroit Lions land a hidden gem at tight end?
The Detroit Lions found themselves a new starting tight end in free agency. But they also signed a familiar name whose measurables are off the charts.
The Detroit Lions needed to desperately address their tight end position this offseason. Last year, tight ends Luke Willson, Michael Roberts and Levine Toilolo combined to post 43 receptions for 450 yards and four touchdowns.
The tight end-by-committee approach was adopted by Detroit in 2018 after the team opted to part ways with former first-round tight end Eric Ebron last offseason. Playing with the Indianapolis Colts last year, Ebron posted his first Pro Bowl performance, recording 66 receptions for 750 yards and 13 touchdowns easily outperforming the Lions’ trio.
This offseason, Detroit opted not to re-sign either Willson and Toilolo. Instead, the Lions splashed in free agency, signing former Pittsburgh Steeler tight end Jesse James to a four-year, $25 million deal with $11 million guaranteed. James is clearly the starter for the foreseeable future in Motown.
But a more subtle signing at tight end could emerge as a real hidden gem. Coming out of Virginia Tech in 2014, the 6-foot-6, 248-pound Logan Thomas possessed some impressive measurables. Check out some of the combine numbers Thomas posted as compared to Ebron and last season’s NFL receptions leader for tight ends, the Philadelphia Eagles’ Zach Ertz.
Logan Thomas – 2014 Combine Results (Video)
40 Yard Dash: 4.61 seconds
Vertical Jump: 35.5 inches
Broad Jump: 118.0 inches
3-Cone Drill: 7.05 seconds
Eric Ebron – 2014 Combine Results
40 Yard Dash: 4.60 seconds
Vertical Jump: 32.0 inches
Broad Jump: 120.0 inches
3-Cone Drill: N/A
Zach Ertz – 2013 Combine Results
40 Yard Dash: 4.76 seconds
Vertical Jump: 30.5 inches
Broad Jump: 111.0 inches
3-Cone Drill: 7.08 seconds
Thomas was drafted as a quarterback in the fourth round of the 2014 NFL Draft by the Arizona Cardinals. But after spending his first three seasons on three different teams as a backup passer, he made the switch to tight end.
And the Lions were the first ones to believe in his potential at the new position, signing Thomas to their practice squad in November of 2016. But he was quickly signed away from Detroit just two days later by the Buffalo Bills.
This offseason, Thomas rejoined the Lions as a free agent after spending the last two years developing in Buffalo. He recorded 19 receptions for 144 yards and one touchdown during his stint with the Bills. But the 27-year old posted the bulk of his production in a Week Nine matchup last year where he caught seven passes for 40 yards against the Chicago Bears.
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Logan Thomas clearly has the athletic traits to be a top-tier tight end in the NFL. He simply lacks the experience at the position. But Thomas flashed his potential last season. And with the Detroit Lions, perhaps the former passer will take the next step in his development and emerge as a viable option behind starter Jesse James.