The Lions signed David Ausberry, the former Raiders tight end, and that's an unusual move. I would have thought they were set at that position.
Detroit drafted Eric Ebron, who should take on a bigger role in the offense this year (he better, being a top-10 pick). They also have Joseph Fauria, who's shown some potential as a goal-line receiver.
Both Ebron and Fauria are pass-catching tight ends. They don't block much; when they're on the field, it's to catch the ball.
Ausberry is also primarily a pass catcher. At Southern Cal, he spent more time at wide receiver than tight end.
The Detroit Free Press speculates that the move is probably related to Fauria still coming back from an ankle injury last year. According to the paper, Fauria isn't practicing at their current OTA. So what we're probably looking at is just an insurance policy in case Fauria can't get healthy.
Detroit also has Brandon Pettigrew. He should be their primary blocking tight end.
—Ian Allan
