Detroit Lions tight end Eric Ebron fell well short of expectations during his first year in the NFL. The tenth-overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft, Ebron managed just 25 receptions, 248 yards and one touchdown in 13 regular season games. In the Lions lone playoff contest, he added another three catches for a measly 21 yards. In short, despite his prodigious talents and silly pre-draft boasts, Ebron wound up just another neophyte NFLer unable to translate his skills into consist on-field production. Perhaps fortunately for Ebron and doubly so for the Lions faithful, the big tight end may be looking at a fairly major role in the looming 2015 season, according to a report from Jason Cole of Bleacher Report.
Ebron's continued development is a "major focus" and point of emphasis in Lions training camp this year, Cole discovered after speaking with Detroit head coach Jim Caldwell. It seems that the combination of Ebron's work ethic and his offseason strides have the franchise eyeing a "much expanded" role for a player the Lions believe has already seen drastic improvement in his overall game. Ebron himself said recently that he and quarterback Matthew Stafford have already developed a stronger rapport this offseason than they had last year.
Interestingly, Cole indicates that the Lions may be planning a "Dallas Clark-like" role for Ebron this coming season. Clark, of course, was the elite pass-catching, move tight end who rose to prominence alongside quarterback Peyton Manning when both were with the Indianapolis Colts. Clark, flexed out wide, often in the slot, was able to take advantage of matchups against slower linebackers and smaller safeties and corners and wreak havoc on opposing defenses. Clark, during his heyday of catching passes from Manning, managed seasons of 77 receptions for 848 yards and six touchdowns and 100 receptions for 1,106 yards and 10 touchdowns.
The Lions are also looking to utilize two tight end sets next season, which should maximize the talent they have on the field with Ebron, Brandon Pettigrew, wide receivers Calvin Johnson and Golden Tate, and running backs Joique Bell, Theo Riddick or electrifying rookie Ameer Abdullah.
While Pettigrew is viewed as more of a classic, in-line tight end, the Lions are approaching Ebron as a downfield weapon to be utilized in a variety of ways.
