Detroit Lions Draft Picks: Tight End Profile
Overview
The Detroit Lions have a strong need for a tight end in the upcoming NFL Draft. The team's current tight end depth chart is thin, and the Lions lack a true pass-catching threat at the position.
The Lions have been linked to several tight ends in the draft, including Ohio State's Jeremy Ruckert, Georgia's Brock Bowers, and Notre Dame's Michael Mayer.
Jeremy Ruckert
Ruckert is a 6'5", 250-pound tight end who is known for his blocking ability and pass-catching skills.
Ruckert is a physical blocker who can create space for his running backs and open up holes in the defense.
Ruckert is also a reliable pass-catcher who has good hands and can make tough catches in traffic.
Brock Bowers
Bowers is a 6'5", 230-pound tight end who is considered to be one of the best pass-catching tight ends in the country.
Bowers is a fluid athlete who can run routes like a wide receiver and has the ability to make big plays down the field.
Bowers is also a willing blocker, but he is not as physical as Ruckert in that aspect of the game.
Michael Mayer
Mayer is a 6'4", 245-pound tight end who is known for his all-around skills.
Mayer is a good blocker and a reliable pass-catcher who can make plays in the short, intermediate, and long passing game.
Mayer is not as dynamic of an athlete as Ruckert or Bowers, but he is a well-rounded tight end who can contribute in all aspects of the game.
Outlook
The Lions are likely to draft a tight end in the first three rounds of the NFL Draft.
Ruckert, Bowers, and Mayer are all talented tight ends who could fill a need for the Lions.
The Lions will ultimately decide which tight end is the best fit for their team, but all three players have the potential to be impact players in the NFL.