Detroit Lions Season Preview 2014: Offense

Nov 24, 2013; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions tight end Joseph Fauria (80) catches a pass in the end zone for a touchdown during the second quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

Tight Ends

Brandon Pettigrew, Eric Ebron, Joseph Fauria

The Detroit Lions possess one of, if not the most versatile group of tight ends in the National Football League. Each individual offers a unique contribution and collectively they are a great unit.

August 15, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Detroit Lions tight end Eric Ebron (85). Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Pettigrew is the best blocker out of the group and will see his most action on the teams running plays.

Ebron was the Lions first-round pick of the 2014 NFL Draft, going to Detroit at No. 12 overall. The rookie has already been compared by many to Jimmy Graham of the New Orleans Saints, even drawing that comparison by new OC, Joe Lombardi. Ebron is expected to play in a variety of different packages, including lining up as a wideout.

Fauria joined the Lions as an undrafted free agent in 2013 out of UCLA, and began to show his abilities almost immediately. Fauria would go on to catch seven touchdown passes proving to be one of the most reliable targets for Stafford in the redzone.

Along with those seven touchdown came Fauria’s signature dance celebrations.

The Lions plan is to maximize each TE’s strength in 2014, and I expect to see big things from all three as well.