Detroit Lions training camp preview TE

The Lions invested heavily on the Te position in the off-season. They re-signed Pettigrew and used the #10 pick on Eric Ebron. Lions lacked a middle of the field threat since Pettigrew regression following 2011. Ebron will be counted on to supply that role.

Brandon Pettigrew 6th year 1st round 2009 Oklahoma State Tyler, Texas
Career: 71 games 68 starts 284 rec 2828 yards 16td 3 fl
Post season 1 games 4/49 rec
Preseason 18rec 176 yards 1 td
Ranks: PFF #51 FO #48
Contract 4 years $2.2 mil
record: 27-33

Grew was re-signed in the off-season. He will have a reduced role in the offense. He will serve as the in-line blocked and check down guy. His blocking has been poor the past 3 seasons so it will be interesting to see if he can be effective in this new role.

At Oklahoma State, 47 games
112 rec 1450 yards 9td

Combine: 6060 263 4.8 22 reps 33 vj 910 broad 4.37 20 7.12 l

Joseph Fauria 2nd year UDFA 2013 UCLA Encino, CA
Lion Career: 16 games 2 starts 18 rec 207 yards 7td
Preseason: 6 rec 72 yards 1 td
ranks: PFF #15 FO #17
Contract: 2 years $499,166
Record: 7-9

Joe has interesting role. Can he step up and be an every down player or stay as a red zone guy. He has great hands but is limited by a lack of speed. His blocking was better than expected.

at UCLA, 40 games 18 Starts
88 rec 1139 yards 20td

Pro day: 6072 263 4.72 17 reps 35.5 vj 1000 broad 4.53 20 7.49 l

Eric Ebron rookie 1st round pick 2014 North Carolina Greensboro, NC
Contract: 4 years $12.29 mil

Counted on to be a force in the middle of the field. He must overcome a case of the drops. A risky pick.

At UNC, 34 games 21 GS 112 rec 1805 yards 8td

Combine: 6043 253 4.6 24 reps 32 vj 1000 broad 4.57 20 7.49 l

Jordan Thompson 2nd year (UDFA 2013) 1st year in Detroit FA Ohio Rockford, Ohio
Contract: 1 year $420,000

 In contention for a practice squad spot. He can also long snap.

At Ohio, 47 games
60 rec 665 yards 6 td

Pro Day: 6036 247 4.82 22 reps

Jacob Maxwell Rookie UDFA 2014 Louisiana-Lafayette Pearl River, LA
Contract: 3 years $420,000 cap

A good athlete, who fits the move TE position. Will contend for the practice squad spot.

At Louisiana-Lafayette 44 games
36 rec 377 yards 6 td

Pro day: 6036 249 4.68 21 reps 38.5 vj 1007 broad