Detroit Lions: Who Is The Best Fit At Slot Receiver?
Eric Ebron
- 6’4″, 245 lbs
- Drafted 2014: 1st Rnd, 10th by DET
- Experience – Rookie
- College – North Carolina
Ebron has been the early favorite to see a majority of the playing time in the slot since he was drafted by Detroit tenth overall in May’s NFL Draft.
Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Coach Lombardi has said publicly that Ebron could see a role similar to that of Jimmy Graham in New Orleans which would entail him seeing a considerable amount of playing time at WR.
"“They’re not exactly the same players, but they’re both very athletic guys,” Lombardi said. “Jimmy has a little more length. Eric might have a little more quickness, I would say. There will be some things we did with Jimmy in New Orleans that we’ll do with Eric, and maybe some things we can do with Eric that we didn’t do with Jimmy.”"
Ebron, like Graham, is known firstly for his prowess as a pass-catcher. He hauled in 40 catches for 625 yards as a sophomore in 2012, both North Carolina records for a tight end.
Then he smashed those marks last year, catching 62 passes for 973 yards. That was second among all tight ends nationally.
Detroit returns both of its top tight ends from last season, Brandon Pettigrew and Joseph Fauria, but views Ebron as more of a slot/tight end hybrid.
"“He’s an impact player,” general manager Martin Mayhew said. “He’s a difference-maker, and I think you’ll see that when he starts playing. I mean, this guy is a playmaker. He’s a matchup nightmare as a tight end. He gives us something down the field.”"