Projecting The Detroit Lions 2013 Depth Chart

Tight End:

Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

2012 Overview:

The Lions carried three tight ends last season, which underwhelmed as a unit. Pettigrew had fumble issues, drop concers and committed to many penalties.

1. Brandon Pettigrew:

Following a 2011 season which saw Brandon Pettigrew haul-in 83 passes for 777 yards a five touchdowns, he set out to take the next step towards becoming an elite tight end. Instead, he went in an entirely different direction. He now enters an all-important contract year following a season that saw him drop eight passes and lose four fumbles. His 8.2 percent drop percentage was 10th worst among all tight ends last season. If he expects to be the Lions tight end of the future, he must prove it this season.

2. Tony Scheffler:

Scheffler, too, enters the final year of his contract three year contract. After rebounding from a poor 2011, he will need to step up from the beginning as the Lions slowly implement Ryan Broyles and Nate Burleson back into the roster.

3. Joseph Fauria:

The Lions drafted Michael Williams and converted former wide receiver Dominique Curry to tight end (The latter of which was released). However, the undrafted free agent has a lot to like in the Lions offense. He brings a big-bodied, athletic red zone target who can make big plays down the middle-of-the-field. Williams will threaten this spot due to his terrific run blocking ability, but with the Lions wide-open pass attack, Fauria makes a lot of sense.

2013 Preview:

With the top two tight ends entering contract years, both will be fighting to prove themselves. This should bring an intriguing sense of urgency to the top of the tight end depth chart.