In 2023 and 2024, also know as Ben Johnson's last two seasons as offensive coordinator, the Detroit Lions were second and tied for first respectively in plays run out of "12" personnel according to Sumer Sports.
The raw number of plays in that personnel grouping didn't drop that much with John Morton as offensive coordinator last season. However, one of the teams who had more was the Arizona Cardinals, with new Lions offensive coordinator Drew Petzing running the show. Arizona also the third-highest rate of plays in "13" personnel (three tight ends) last season.
Petzing will of course adapt his tendencies to what he has in Detroit, but his tendency toward using multiple tight ends aligns with the current trend in the league. Tyler Conklin was signed to bolster the depth chart behind Sam LaPorta, but he is a capable pass catcher far more than an adept blocker.
As things sit right now, Brock Wright would serve as the primary blocking tight end for the Lions in a "12" or "13" personnel arrangement. But, by the eye test and Pro Football Focus grades, he has left alot to be desired as a blocker over the last couple years. He also hasn't done enough as a pass catcher to cover for that deficiency, and now Conklin is lined up for a chunk of tight end targets.
Lions' UDFA is cut from a familiar mold that needs to be found
As lists of undrafted rookies to watch this year go, Nick Baumgardner of The Athletic went some unique directions in offering one for each team.
From the Lions' list of UDFAs, Baumgardner went with tight end Miles Kitselman as the one to watch.
"My best NFL comp for Kitselman might actually be Lions head coach Dan Campbell. Kitselman isn’t the athlete Campbell was, but the 6-foot-5, 251-pounder is a former high school offensive lineman who is extremely serious about run blocking. He gets everything out of his body, and there’s no way the Lions won’t like him."
READ MORE: Lions writer emphatically shuts down talk of a boring draft with fresh takeaways
Kitselman may have some untapped potential as a pass catcher (11.5 yards per catch over his two seasons at Tennessee). Like Campbell though, he is more likely to make his hay in the NFL as a blocker. Despite never having high-end production as a pass catcher, the Lions' head coach played 10 NFL seasons and he's a model for Kitselman as he starts his career.
Kitselman's college tape may very well have made him a priority UDFA signing for the Lions. If Campbell saw himself as a player, that surely only fortified the idea to bring him in and have him compete for a job. And with that, Wright may be on the hot seat now.
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