Detroit Lions camp expectations: Tight ends
Welcome to the dead zone Detroit Lions fans. OTA's and Mandatory mini camp are over and for the next few weeks, things are going to be quiet in Lions land as we prepare for the start of training camp. As we make our way towards camp, we're going to do a deep dive into the […]
Welcome to the dead zone Detroit Lions fans. OTA's and Mandatory mini camp are over and for the next few weeks, things are going to be quiet in Lions land as we prepare for the start of training camp.
As we make our way towards camp, we're going to do a deep dive into the Lions entire roster. We'll be doing it section by section and player by player and go over the expectations for each player going into camp.
So far we've already covered interior defensive linemen, edge rushers linebackers, cornerbacks, safeties and the offensive line. Today we'll be talking about the tight ends.
Sam LaPorta
This is the only camp expectation piece that's going to have a rookie lead everything off. The overall expectation for LaPorta is that he's going to be a big part of the Lions offense in 2023. Some of the things he can do with the ball at his position are just too hard to ignore. Especially what he does after the catch.
His camp expectation is simple. Work on chemistry with Jared Goff and make sure you guys are both on the same page before September. It shouldn't be too difficult. Goff and LaPorta have already been linking up in OTA's and mini camp.
James Mitchell
If you follow me on social media or read my work, then you know that I've been high on James Mitchell for a while now. He's a player I expect to break out in 2023 due to his versatility and athleticism.
As far as camp expectations go. Let's see that the ACL is no longer a problem. The Lions have been handling Mitchell with kid gloves since they drafted him last season. It's time to take the training wheels off and let him ride. Let's see what he can do.
Brock Wright
Brock Wright became a little bit of a fan favorite last season after the Lions traded away TJ Hockenson. He had a monster play against the Jets when he took a Jared Goff pass 51 yards to the house and gave the Lions the lead. That moment helped the team continue their win streak.
Aside from that, Wright didn't get a whole lot of other chances to make big plays. The Lions sort of went away from utilizing their tight ends. Now it seems like they're going the opposite way and plan to use them more. Where does that put Wright?
His camp expectation is that he shows us where it puts him. He's not likely to over come LaPorta and Mitchell, but he can carve out a spot for himself on this team by being a good blocker and making sure he catches the ball when his number is called.
The Fringe
Shane Zystra had a really good outing in a really bad game in 2022. He caught three touchdown passes from Jared Goff in that game. It seems like he was the only guy that did anything that day.
Outside of that, Zylstra didn't do much. His camp expectation is that he goes out there and does all that he can to beat Brock Wright. I'm sure Shane already knows that. It's going to be an uphill battle for him. He should still find himself a spot on the practice squad.
As for Derrick Deese, he's going to have show something that can get him a spot on the Lions practice squad. Deese had a shot last season and was cut at the end of camp. The Lions clearly saw something they liked, so they signed him to a futures deal after the 2022 season. Let's see if Deese can make it this year. Sadly we won't get a Dan Campbell joke on Hard Knocks this year though.
Featured image by Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK
