Which Detroit Lions UDFAs Could Make An Impact In 2016?

Cole Wick, tight end, University of the Incarnate Word
($10,000 signing bonus)

The Cole Wick hype train is now boarding. The 6’6″, 255-pound tight end has turned heads this offseason, and given the Lions lack of depth at tight end, there is definitely an opportunity for him to snag the third tight end spot on the roster behind Eric Ebron and Brandon Pettigrew, who is still recovering from an ACL injury. His only competition for that spot currently comes from veteran blocker Matthew Mulligan, who has bounced around the league for the last few seasons, and UDFAs Adam Fuehne and Ben McCord.

While the transition from small school football to the NFL is a large one and Wick’s numbers at Incarnate Word were not huge (61 receptions, 832 yards and five touchdowns as a three-year starter), the Lions have high hopes for him as a pass catcher. Jim Caldwell said about Wick on Thursday, “He’s learning but he’s getting better and he does have some pretty distinct qualities that he’s been able to look pretty good out here without any pads on. You got to wait until the pads come on. So we’ll see.”

Quarterback Dan Orlovsky echoed Caldwell’s sentiments on Thursday, saying, “He’s got physical talent and he’s picking things up mentally, so those are two character traits that will bode well. He’s done a nice job.”

Depending on Pettigrew’s recovery and how much Jim Bob Cooter wants to use receiving tight ends on the field, Wick will not only likely make the team, but could see significant action in 2016, much like Fauria did three seasons ago.

Next: CB Adairius Barnes