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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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Oct 24, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; Toledo Rockets tight end Michael Roberts (80) catches a touchdown pass against Massachusetts Minutemen linebacker Shane Huber (8) during the second half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports
Toledo Rockets tight end Michael Roberts (80). Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports /

Free Agent Prediction

Eric Ebron gets his 2018 option picked up and Dion Sims comes home. The versatility Sims would bring to the Lions offense cannot be understated. Ebron is best suited in the slot and the addition of Sims will get him there. Spending up to $5 million on a number two tight end isn’t sexy but he would be a major cog in improving the run game.

The Ebron option year will seem like a lot of money to several fans, but the Lions know what they have in him and won’t hesitate to keep him through 2018.

Draft Prediction

Michael Roberts (Toledo) is drafted in the fourth round. I know I said earlier that the Lions may be aggressive and take Roberts in the third, but by acquiring Sims allows them to stay patient. It may be optimistic to think that he’s still on the board in the fourth, but he’s not going to fit every teams needs and in a deep class, he could be there. He fits the Lions like a glove and I expect them to find a way to secure his services.

With Sims already in the fold, Roberts is allowed to be brought along slower by playing a third tight end role. This move also lands Cole Wick on the practice squad, giving him more time to develop, which he still needs.

In this scenario, the Lions would have four capable tight ends for the next two years. This will also provide Quinn with insurance against injury and if Ebron leaves after 2018. It will take some cap commitment and draft capital to make this happen, but it’s a vital step for offensive stability.

Next: Lions Offseason Prediction: Running Backs

As the draft season progresses, more players will present themselves as options and scheme fits for the Lions, so make sure you are checking back at DetroitJockCity.com for future articles. You can also follow me on Twitter (@erikschlitt) for continuing analysis.

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