Seven bold predictions for the Detroit Lions in 2018
By Ash Thompson
Ebron out, nothing in
Eric Ebron was a tight end only in name in 2017. He was primarily utilized as a slot receiver. That is why I am counting him as a loss twice. He gave the team 53 catches as a slot receiver that they now have to send elsewhere. Their plan to replace that was ……………
You’ll have to pardon me for not buying the hype around Teo Redding or Dontez Alexander. They’re not going to matter for 2018 even if they do become legitimate NFL players.
The Lions are relying on Kenny Golladay to step into a slot role. I am not sure if they’ve watched his tape, but he doesn’t get good separation through physicality or short area quickness. He is a 50/50 ball guy. At least he was in college and remained that as a rookie.
Relying on T.J. Jones to replicate his career season is risky. Asking him to do more is frankly the same sort of thinking that got Ameer Abdullah a featured role on offense that he never earned.
The Lions receivers may step into their larger roles for the team, but it is far from a guarantee. The team has brought in only a bevy of undrafted players, apparently hoping to throw them against the wall and see what sticks.
Next: Lions top NFC North wide receiver power rankings
There are areas in which the Lions have drastically improved. In some cases, they have done that by adding new players. In other areas, they have simply healed over the offseason. In many cases, both of those things have occurred. The team has rough spots, but this looks like a good year overall for the Lions. The receiving corp is not as dangerous on paper with the loss of Ebron, but the improved running game should pick up the slack.