With the 10th pick in the Draft the Lions Select: Eric Ebron
- Updated: May 8, 2014
Why it Works: this is a perfect fit for Detroit. They have struggled finding a complement to Calvin Johnson. Not any more. This is a Patriots type move to put an animal across from Calvin and Ebron should do that very nicely.
Draft Day Grade: A
Eric Ebron, TE, 6-4½, 250, North Carolina
Key stats: Had 62 receptions for 973 yards and 3 touchdowns in 2013.
Strengths: Elite athlete for the position. … Great straight-line speed and open-field running ability. … Can make defenders miss with good elusiveness. … Is quick off snap and has good acceleration. … Is a willing downfield blocker, who will shield defenders. … Has long arms and makes tough catches. … Is a deep threat, who can really keep free safeties in the middle of the field. … He also contributed as a blocker on kick return teams.
Weaknesses: Not a great blocker or overly physical. Right now will be more of a receiving tight end, rather than a dual-threat receiver/blocker. … Allows ball to get to his pads too often. … Has some lapses in concentration. … Needs to get stronger in both lower and upper body. … Wasn’t a major factor in the red zone. … Can sharpen route running and become a little more aware on how to find open space against zone coverage.
Conclusion: Ebron is the most dynamic tight end in this class. … Because of that, he may get drafted earlier than he should. … That being said, he has plenty of pass-catching talent and room to improve in nearly all areas of the position. … Ebron flashed early-first-round potential during his senior season, but also had games where he was hard to find.
NFL comparison: Jared Cook/Julius Thomas.
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