Detroit Lions: The most overrated, underrated heading into 2019

New Pass Catchers

Overrated: Jesse James

With a four year deal for $25 million, James was the first noteworthy tight end addition in the offseason, before the team drafted T.J. Hockenson a month later.

Considering the team’s woes at the position last year, signing the 6-7 target felt like a big deal, but looking at the numbers, through four years his stat line doesn’t even hold up to the much-maligned Eric Ebron. While James is currently listed as the number one tight end on the depth chart, it’s easy to envision Hockenson getting a larger share of opportunities as the year progresses.

Underrated: Travis Fulgham (I hope)

Fulgham appears to be on the chopping block as we get closer to the final cuts, which is too bad considering that the remaining competition for receiving roster spots isn’t exactly world class.

A fumble in the Buffalo preseason game doesn’t help his case, but I still feel Fulgham (3 catches 52 yards in the Texans exhibition) has more potential upside than guys like Chris Lacy and Andy Jones who seem to be ahead of him.

He has one more chance to state his case against Cleveland this week. Hopefully the small school gamer who lit up highly ranked Virginia Tech last season can show enough of a Kenny Golladay resemblance to stay around for the regular season.