Detroit Lions camp quandary 2019: Sorting out the bubble players

GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN - DECEMBER 30: Zach Zenner #34 of the Detroit Lions gets tackled by Blake Martinez #50 of the Green Bay Packers and Tony Brown #28 during the first half of a game at Lambeau Field on December 30, 2018 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images) /

Keeper: Isaac Nauta, Tight End/Fullback

Nauta was a 2019 draft pick, albeit a seventh-round selection. He wasn’t the only tight end taken by the Detroit Lions, even. At 6-3, 244 pounds, he represents a guy that can do more than just one job, though.

A fourth tight end would usually be a luxury that most teams do not have room for. However, fullback Nick Bawden hasn’t actually played a game yet due to injuries, Nauta has similar size and skills to play both fullback, and can provide depth at a position of big concern for Bob Quinn over the last two years, tight end.

Nauta isn’t the fastest player, had disappointing times at his pro day, but his on-field production is there. He can block, catch, and backs up multiple spots. That kind of flexibility is also key to head coach Matt Patricia’s basic philosophy of creating matchup problems for opponents.

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