Detroit Lions: What to expect from Travis Fulgham in Year One

The Detroit Lions used a late round draft pick to add depth to their wide receiving core, but Travis Fulgham has a chance to be more than that this season.

While the Detroit Lions did come away from their Week 2 preseason match-up with the Houston Texans with another loss and many things to improve upon, one positive takeaway is the play of rookie wide receiver Travis Fulgham.

Even though all of his plays came against second or third team defenders, Fulgham was still able to shine in his second NFL game, pulling down three catches for 52 yards, including a diving catch down the sideline that made have been the play of the game for the Lions.

Despite highlight catches like the one made this weekend, Fulgham still has a lot of work to do this season to make the roster, as he is currently not even on the third team on the official Lions depth chart.

Making the roster requires a certain dedication and drive to succeed. It looks like Fulgham has that drive though, as he has been staying 45 minutes after practice is over to get the proper reps and give him an edge over other wide receivers trying to earn backup spots such as Jermaine Kearse, Andy Jones and Brandon Powell.

Staying after practice is nothing new for Fulgham, as he got used to doing that in high school and just wants to make sure his routes are crisp and he can get leverage over opposing defensive backs. Here’s what Fulgham told Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press …

"“Just trying to get some extra work. Being able to practice, there’s not enough reps to learn everything so just making sure you get a good day’s amount of work so you’re ready for the next day. It doesn’t matter how many (reps I get), just make sure they’re good reps."

The Old Dominion product lead Conference USA with 1,083 yards receiving on 63 catches last season, and he was a threat in the red zone, pulling down nine touchdowns. These stats are why general manager Bob Quinn drafted him, and with Kearse going down with an injury earlier this preseason, it looks like his uphill battle to make the roster just got a little easier.

In more ways than one, Fulgham should remind Detroit Lions fans of Kenny Golladay, as both players came from small schools, and possess a unique combination of speed, crisp route running and length to succeed at an NFL level.

As the first offensive player drafted from Old Dominion, the former Monarch isn’t the only alum looking to compete for a Detroit Lions roster spot, as his former teammate and college roommate in Jonathan Duhart as an undrafted free agent.

A roster spot is far from guaranteed for Fulgham, but the fact that he was drafted this season helps him. When the highlight plays are combined with Fulgham’s ideal size (6-2, 215) and incredible work ethic, betting men would be wise to bet on Fulgham not only making the roster, but also pulling in a few touchdowns in his rookie season with the Lions.