After the Detroit Lions address their most immediate needs with Brad Holmes drafting an EDGE to play opposite Aidan Hutchinson and a linebacker to replace Kevin Zeitler, the Lions must increase the team’s depth at tight end.

Another Critical Draft Need For The Detroit Lions

When the Lions drafted Sam LaPorta, an outstanding rookie who smashed records in his first year, the tight end position became their strongest in decades. However, when LaPorta was injured, the Lions didn’t have another tight end to match his contribution and production. Despite Holmes’ acquisition of Kenny Yeboah in free agency, the Lions need more depth in their TE room.  

Earlier this month, the Lions matched the San Francisco 49ers’ restricted free agency tender to Brock Wright for a three-year $12 million contract . Wright is the number two TE, with Yeboah and Shane Zylstra rounding out the group. But Zylstra is on a one-year contract extension, and Yeboah’s contribution with the team is unknown.  Therefore, adding depth at tight end through the draft makes sense. Here are three strong tight end prospects who could be available in the draft’s mid-rounds. 

Three Tight End Draft Prospects for the Lions 

LSU TE- Mason Taylor 

6’5″ 251 lbs. Junior 

It’s no wonder LSU tight end Mason Taylor smashed records and set a new standard at LSU.  As the son of Hall of Fame DE Jason Taylor and nephew of H.O.F. linebacker Zach Taylor, Mason was destined from birth to play pro football and continue his family’s legacy.  

A highly productive tight end at LSU, Taylor caught balls that moved the chains.  Following his freshman year, he made the All-SEC team.  As a junior, Taylor became the first LSU tight end to achieve 100 receptions and 1,000 receiving yards in a single season. 37 of his 55 receptions went for first downs.  After a collegiate career that produced 129 receptions for 1,308 yards, Taylor decided to forego his senior year and declare for the draft.    

An intuitive pass-catching tight end with a strong physical presence as a blocker, Taylor has an above-average focus for tracking the ball without getting distracted. His speed and agility to make quick adjustments scored him as a competent run blocker at the NFL combine. Earning an overall Prospect Grade of 6.40, Taylor was the fourth-highest ranked tight end at the combine.  Projected to become a good starter within two years, NFL analyst Lance Zierlein declared, “his game needs polish,” but he saw Taylor as a higher-volume target for a team that needs a versatile blocking tight end.  

Tight End Prospect Draft Fit For The Lions:

A reliable pass catcher who can be moved around to disrupt the defense and block in the run game, Taylor is the type of player the Lions need to draft at tight end.  

Texas TE- Gunnar Helm

6’5” 241 lb. Senior
After a lackluster start to his college career, Texas tight end Gunnar Helm had a breakout senior year. Recording 60 receptions for 786 yards and seven touchdowns, Helm earned Second-Team All-SEC honors and a Senior Bowl invitation. As a former basketball player, he has excellent body control and the agility to maneuver in tight situations. Strong ball-handling capabilities resulted in only two dropped balls in college. Early scouting reports praised Helm’s speed and quick moves, leading to missed tackles and extra yards after the catch. His 12 missed tackles were the eighth-most among tight ends. 

Helm scored an impressive 80 on his NFL combine production score and ranked 4th in the drills. However, his low athleticism score of 53 resulted in a 6.13 grade as a “Good Backup With The Potential To Develop Into (A) Starter.” NFL analyst Lance Zierlein graded Helm as “a quarterback-friendly target capable of moving the sticks at opportune times.”  Although Zierlein would like him to bulk up below the waist and improve his hand usage, he projected Helm as “a future TE2 with three-down potential.” 

Tight End Prospect Draft Fit For The Lions:

Critics of Helm pointed out he rarely drew targeted coverage due to Quinn Ewers and the high caliber of talent surrounding him. Consequently, his performance benefited. However, Helm made the most of his opportunity in Texas.  Given the abundance of elite talent in Detroit, he could be an underrated tight end draft prospect who’ll shine with the Lions.

Clemson TE- Jake Briningstool 

6’6” 241 lb. Senior
A potential late-round prospect for Holmes to consider is Clemson TE Jake Briningstool . Although he lacks the physical traits of a higher-rated prospect, the 6’6” 241 lb. senior could be added as a young developmental target. Briningstool’s lanky frame, 8 5/8” hands, and 31 1/2” arms are offset by a natural pass-catching ability and solid footwork. Consistently showing improvement throughout his collegiate career, Briningstool demonstrated efficiency and reliability in getting open. After making the catch, he transitions quickly and aggressively fights for extra yardage. 

While he’s an attractive passing game target, Briningstool is limited as a blocking tight end . His slender build and undersized frame make him an easy player to defend.  However, his talents as a tight end rely on his ability as a viable pass-catching target who can move the chains in a rotational role.

Tight End Prospect Draft Fit For The Lions:

If Briningstool can bulk up and increase his strength, he might become a regular on-field presence for the Lions.  The Lions need depth at the position, and bringing a promising developmental talent on board might be a smart move that will pay dividends.  

 Main Image: Kirby Lee – USA Today Sports

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