Seven bold predictions for the Detroit Lions in 2018
By Ash Thompson
Ebron and Fells out, Willson and Toilolo in
Luke Willson is no Eric Ebron. The much-maligned former Lions tight end will be missed in the passing game. Willson is nowhere close to the danger to opposing defenses that Ebron was. Willson is a better blocker but frankly nearly any free agent tight end could have claimed that. Ebron was not playing a lot of in-line tight end last season because he was an unwilling an unskilled blocker. Willson was brought in to do more of that. In the passing game, at least, Willson is a poor replacement for Ebron. Lions fans hoping for an end to drops at the position shouldn’t count on Willson to bring it.
This 247sports profile of the two from an unbiased observer illustrates the two players fairly well in my estimation. Willson is a number two tight end who will give you stead but uninspiring play in all aspects of the game. Ebron is a receiver only who will make you stare wide-eyed with wonder one moment and send you shrieking with rage the next. Willson’s best season will likely top out around Ebron’s worst as a receiver. He isn’t even a great blocker, merely an upgrade over Ebron.
The dropoff from Fells to Toilolo is steep and all-encompassing. There was a lot of hype regarding Toilolo’s signing based on the fact that the Falcons played him at tackle once. Nevermind that it was after three injuries to tackles. Forget that they were doing it because they had no offensive linemen left that could athletically hope to keep up with any kind of speed rush. Dude played tackle once: clearly he’s the greatest blocker of all time, right? Well no, not really.
Toilolo is a fine blocking tight end, but so was Fells. He is a proven quantity, and if a team forgets to cover him he will probably catch the ball most of the time. just like Fells He’s not going to run around or over anyone with the ball in his hands like Fells did early in the 2017 season though.
At the tight end spot, the Lions only hope for an impact payer is Michael Roberts. There was no indication last season that Roberts was that guy. The Lions got worse at tight end.