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Detroit Lions Offseason Prediction: Tight Ends

By Erik Schlitt

Dec 21, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; Detroit Lions tight end Eric Ebron (85) catches a pass over New Orleans Saints middle linebacker Stephone Anthony (50) and strong safety Kenny Vaccaro (32) during the second half of a game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Lions defeated the Saints 35-27. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 21, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; Detroit Lions tight end Eric Ebron (85) catches a pass over New Orleans Saints middle linebacker Stephone Anthony (50) and strong safety Kenny Vaccaro (32) during the second half of a game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Lions defeated the Saints 35-27. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 22, 2015; Boca Raton, FL, USA;Toledo Rockets tight end Michael Roberts (80) is brought down by Temple Owls defenders in the 2015 Boca Raton Bowl at FAU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Duyos-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 22, 2015; Boca Raton, FL, USA;Toledo Rockets tight end Michael Roberts (80) is brought down by Temple Owls defenders in the 2015 Boca Raton Bowl at FAU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Duyos-USA TODAY Sports /

Draft Prospects

Michael Roberts (Toledo) has several impressive physical characteristics. He measured in at 6’4″, 261 pounds, with 11.63″ hands and 33.25″ arms at the 2017 Senior Bowl. An impressive athlete for his size, he would be the ideal compliment tight end in the Lions offensive system.

Roberts also attended the East West Shrine Game and had a few impressive catches during the game, here’s my favorite:

The Lions interest in Roberts is for real and I could see them making a strong move to acquire him. CBS Sports ranks him as a sixth rounder, while draft expert Tony Pauline has him ranked as a third/fourth rounder. I’m closer inline with Pauline’s evaluation than CBS, I can see Detroit being aggressive and snagging him as early as the third round.

Adam Shaheen (Ashland) is a small school prospect that several evaluators believe has a bright future ahead of him. CBS Sports values him as a fourth/fifth rounder and Pauline gives him a fourth round grade. Being a small school prospect, I haven’t had a chance to examine him as thoroughly as NFL Networks Daniel Jeremiah, but DJ spoke highly of him on twitter:

Usually, small school players land on day three and while the national media appears high on Shaheen’s upside, I’d be surprised if the Lions grabbed another small school tight end who needs to improve his blocking earlier than in the fifth or sixth round.

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