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Detroit Lions: Ranking the 2017 draft class by rookie-year impact

By Zac Snyder

Oct 16, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions head coach Jim Caldwell shakes hands with offensive guard Joe Dahl (66) before the game against the Los Angeles Rams at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 16, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions head coach Jim Caldwell shakes hands with offensive guard Joe Dahl (66) before the game against the Los Angeles Rams at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-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
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 /

2. Michael Roberts

Despite being the fifth player to join the Lions’ 2017 draft class, tight end Michael Roberts steps into one of the best situations to have an early impact.

As a massive tight end capable of both blocking and catching passes, there is clearly a role ready for Roberts to step into that will see him receiving regular snaps on offense. There will still be competition for playing time with Darren Fells, but the overall picture is much clearer than for any of the players previously mentioned.

Best-case scenario: Gives the Lions the kind of multi-dimensional tight end they sorely needed as he proves competent as an in-line blocker and gives Matthew Stafford another big target, especially on third downs and in the red zone.

Worst-case scenario: Playing time is split with, or surpassed by, Darren Fells as Roberts fails to emerge as a clear number two tight end on the depth chart. The blocking isn’t a strength early in his career and the impact as a pass catching threat is inconsistent at best.

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