Detroit Lions roster prediction: Tight ends
By Matt Bosko
The Detroit Lions revamped their tight end situation after the surprising release of Eric Ebron and several offseason acquisitions.
The up-and-down tenure of former Detroit Lions‘ tight end Eric Ebron came to an end this offseason when the team elected to release him after failing to find a team to trade for his services.
Given Ebron’s spike in production in the second half of last season, the release came as a shock to many fans. Anxious feelings increased as the Lions missed on marquee free agents like Trey Burton and Cameron Brate, who signed lucrative deals elsewhere.
The Lions turned their attention to Luke Willson and Levine Toilolo, established veterans who excel in blocking, and whose deals were more than manageable.
How will the tight end room shake up this season?
LOCKS (3)
Luke Willson, Levine Toilolo, Michael Roberts
I believe the Lions will carry three tight ends – no more, no less.
This position group seems fairly easy to predict, as I do not see anyone on the current roster challenging Willson, Toilolo, and Roberts for a roster spot.
Willson and Toilolo have been in the league for six years, and each have played in Super Bowls. They will aid, primarily, in the protection of Matthew Stafford. Both players are serviceable pass-catchers with enough size to be red-zone targets.
The Lions invested a fourth-round pick in Roberts back in 2017. He found himself behind Ebron and Darren Fells on the depth chart last season. As a result of that, he struggled to see the field. He finds himself in a similar position in 2018. Roberts is no longer a rookie and still possesses the largest hands in the NFL. He has an opportunity to take a big step in year two. Roberts has the opportunity to learn from true professionals in Willson and Toilolo.
ON THE BUBBLE (1)
If the Lions choose to keep more than three tight ends, Valles deserves some consideration. After spending the entire year on the practice squad, the team promoted him to the active roster for Week 17.
The converted wide receiver out of Monmouth College has raw talent that ihe is still refining but seems comfortable with the organization. Last season, Valles turned down an offer from another team to stay with the Lions’ practice squad.
Next: Lions roster predictions: Wide receivers
The Lions tight ends going into week three will be Willson, Toilolo, and Roberts. Valles will need to prove his worth on special teams to make the final cut.