SideLion Report
FanSided

Detroit Lions: The end of the Michael Roberts saga

By Robert Jones

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) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 3
Next
(Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
(Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

Now that all has been said and done, I think it’s time to put a proper postscript on the whole Michael Roberts situation; what Roberts accomplishes anywhere else doesn’t matter if T.J. Hockenson pans out. It really is that simple.

Last season the Lions tight end position was lifeless. It contributed little and Michael Roberts was one of that group who failed to make a difference.

He showed some nice potential in the Lions victory over the Dolphins, but his career in Detroit was marked by athletic potential and not by results. Now he is no longer here.

Looking forward the Lions have eliminated Roberts from the tight end equation, but aside from first-round pick T.J. Hockenson and free agent acquisition Jesse James, they still have talent at the position. Former Buffalo Bill Logan Thomas is very athletic and has impressed the Lions coaching staff with his progress and Issac Nauta was considered a steal in the seventh round.

In other words, coaches, media and fans alike have every reason to believe there will be a major turnaround in production from the tight end position this coming season.

So regardless if Roberts finds another opportunity and is able to make the most of it, maybe even become one of the best in the league, it won’t matter as long as the current tight end group is able to fulfill their expectations.

Especially T.J. Hockenson was considered the lowest risk among all athlete’s that were available this past April for the NFL draft. That doesn’t guarantee success for the former Iowa Hawkeye, but combined with his maturity, focus and willingness to work, it would seem like a pretty safe bet that he will at least come pretty close to his ceiling if he doesn’t outright break through it.

Next. The Lions best draft picks by round since 2009. dark

Last year the tight end room was a mess and it showed up on the field. Now the room has changed completely and has every opportunity to be one of the Lions strongest positions next season. So while Michael Roberts brief tenure in Detroit never really panned out, those who will be here have a chance to write a much happier ending.

Home/Lions News