Given the lack of depth, the Lions may go to the NFL Draft to find a different solution. These are four tight ends that the team ought to take into consideration when they scout at this week’s NFL Scouting Combine.Georgia’s Brock Bowers
Prior to the draft, Bowers was thought to be the position’s top prospect by consensus. For the Bulldogs, he was a versatile talent who accumulated 2,538 receiving yards in three seasons.
The prospect is a safe haven for whoever quarterback in the NFL he ends up matching up with. In addition, his athleticism will make him a formidable big-play threat.
Although LaPorta is an excellent tight end for the Lions, they have been proactive in acquiring weapons for their attack.
Bowers is expected to be one of the best players in the draft and will probably be gone by the time Detroit selects him with the 29th overall pick, but Holmes’ ability to acquire the players he desires might make things interesting in April.
Florida State’s Jaheim BellBell attended South Carolina for three good years before transferring to Florida State for his final year. Despite not having the same receiving output as a player like Bowers, he was still quite productive and an important component of the attack.
With Keon Coleman and Johnny Wilson as the offense’s two potent wideouts, he did a good job fulfilling his role with the Seminoles.
Bell was able to make plays in space and is an extremely skilled athlete. He’s hardly a deep danger, but he can break free and move after the catch is made. He appears to be a reliable backup option with blocking abilities. The Lions might be lusting after this skill set as their backup tight end to go with LaPorta.
Another large-bodied, adaptable player who can line up both inline and in the slot is Sanders. He proved to be an agile pass-catching danger with the Longhorns, despite having a larger size.
In the previous two seasons, he had 99 receptions, and he strengthened his case at the East-West Shrine Bowl. Sanders can shake defenders in the center of the field thanks to his fluid movements and accurate route running.
He poses a serious threat following the catch, much like Bell. He can outrun defenders and is difficult to bring down due to his physical attributes.
Although Sanders’ schedule for Day Two is presently anticipated to be somewhat delayed, a strong test result in Indianapolis might significantly improve his standing.Michigan’s AJ Barner
When it comes to possible late-round targets, Barner might be your best bet. He played his college ball at Indiana but ended up at Michigan, where the offensive scheme there is conducive to the success of tight ends.
On the depth chart, he was below Colston Loveland; therefore, he wasn’t the Wolverines’ best choice. Still, he was able to make a reliable contribution because their attack often featured two-tight end sets.
Through his efforts, Barner was able to demonstrate his ability as a blocker, culminating in an 81.4 Pro Football Focus run-blocking grade. It would be prudent to acquire a guy who is proficient in blocking as a backup option, especially with LaPorta as a high-receiving threat.
