Detroit Lions Draft 2017: A Tight End for Every Round
By Ash Thompson
George Kittle, Iowa
Kittle could end up being among the best players to go on day three of the draft. He lacks the polish that many of the players who will be drafted in the first three rounds, but certainly has the same athletic profile. Kittle ran a 4.52 40 yard dash, and an impressive 11′ broad jump.
He led his team in touchdown receptions as a senior which is always a good sign for a tight end. Red zone production has been a problem for the Lions Tight Ends since Joseph Fuaria’s magical rookie year in 2013.
Kittle has the silky soft hands that a player needs to handle a Matthew Stafford fastball coming from an unconventional angle. He has elite ability to adjust to an inaccurately thrown ball. That is probably the most important trait the Lions should be looking for in a receiver.
Kittle is one of those players where it is not difficult to envision an ESPN 30 for 30 asking how all of these other players were drafted ahead of him as he enters the hall of fame in 2030.