Where The Lions Roster Stands: Tight End
by Sean Yuille on Jun 27, 2011 2:01 PM EDT
in Detroit Lions News
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PrintPreviously: Quarterback, Running Back, Fullback, Wide Receiver
Returning from last season: Brandon Pettigrew, Tony Scheffler, Will Heller, Joe Jon Finley (he was on the practice squad last season), Richard Dickson (he was on injured reserve last season)
Currently a free agent: None
New to the team: None
The Detroit Lions are in very good shape at tight end, thanks in part to Brandon Pettigrew. He followed up his rookie season, which was ended early because of a torn ACL, with what could be considered a breakout season. He had 71 receptions for 722 yards and four touchdowns (and helped my team win another fantasy football title in the POD league) and is poised to put up even bigger numbers in 2011 with a healthy Matthew Stafford and less drops.
The Lions' second tight end is Tony Scheffler, who is very versatile. Last year his numbers weren't out of this world or anything, but he is expected to be another weapon in the Lions' offense going forward, and he signed an extension during last season that will keep him in Detroit for the foreseeable future.
The other three tight ends currently on the Lions' roster are Will Heller, Joe Jon Finley and Richard Dickson. Heller appeared in all 16 games last season and is a solid special teams contributor, so he will likely be back as the third tight end. Finley was a practice squad player last season, and Dickson spent the year on injured reserve after suffering an injury during training camp.
Need going forward?
This is one position that seems pretty set going forward. Pettigrew is a playmaker at tight end, and Scheffler is a solid contributor as well. Heller is a good backup TE and contributes in other ways as well.
I don't think the Lions will take more than three tight ends, so barring an injury or Finley/Dickson having an amazing training camp, the spots are already limited. I can't see anybody being signed at this position unless he's an undrafted free agent being brought in as a camp body.
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Pettigrew is emerging to be one of the NFL’s best complete Tight Ends. This is why he was drafted in the first round Schwartz values the TE a lot, see the Titans and Patriots . If he works on his concentration with the drop passes and gets his ACL to 100% the sky is the limit. As far as for Tony Sheffler he needs to be more consistent and will benefit from a healthy Matt Stafford.
by Crescent G Medley IV on Jun 27, 2011 2:56 PM EDT reply actions
consistent?
In what sense? Just wondering ‘cause it’s not like he dropped passes or anything. I’d agree about that with regards to his blocking…
The Dis-Assembly Line - The unofficial, official name for the next best D-line in football.
Scheffler was always consistent
Bad wording there. He just needs to not fumble lol.
He who laughs last didn't get it.
Dickson:
Hope he recovered O.K. and makes a push to the practice squad at least…
" I must be crazy to be in a loony bin like this. " " What are you doin' here? You oughta be out in a convertible bird-doggin' chicks and bangin' beaver. " " Medication time. Medication time. " ( One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest - 1975 )
Really love how the Lions are shaping up!
This is like the fourth article in this series where I’m like “We’re good on that position.” (QB, RB, WR, TE) Haven’t been able to feel that way in a while.
Go Lions!
Agreed
That’s a common theme with the offense. The defense is set at D-line, but that’s about it.
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I like our safeties with the addition of Coleman
Delmas is a rising star, Coleman and Spievey are the old guy/young guy combo that should be solid enough to get the job done on the other side. And then you have special teams ace John Wendling who can fill in from time to time and be solid.
by WestsideLionsFan on Jun 27, 2011 7:19 PM EDT up reply actions
I'm with you.
Pretty happy with the Safeties and the whole Dline – which is something remarkable considering where we were before last season!
The Dis-Assembly Line - The unofficial, official name for the next best D-line in football.
Had Pettigrew racked up half of his dropped passes and penalties he would have been an All Pro in 2010.
The thing that intrigues me about Scheffler is his deep threat ability, more than his role as a possession receiver. When he played with Cutler in Denver, they were lights out.
Stafford should be the best thing that happens to Scheffler.
I didn't think Scheffler got used enough most of the time
It seemed like he was the very last read on most of the pass plays behind CJ, Burleson, Pettigrew, and Best out of the backfield.
by WestsideLionsFan on Jun 27, 2011 7:21 PM EDT up reply actions
After his 1st season in Denver,
Mike Shanahan actually said he thought he had the potential to be the best receiving TE in the game, which I can’t argue. Scheffler has speed and great hands. With Stafford, Scheffler could get over 700 yards, along with Pettigrew getting over 1000.
He who laughs last didn't get it.
When Josh McDaniels took over in Denver he tried to make Scheffler something he isn't - a blocking TE
They clashed over the role that Scheffler would play. Scheffler went to Square Peg city. I think that it is ironic that McDaniels, Cutler, and Scheffler are all gone.
Would have been different
If Stafford was in all year. During the preseason and in the games Stafford played in; he really spread the ball around nicely and his drives were pretty methodical. If Stafford stays healthy all season, i wouldn’t be surprised if Pettigrew and Scheaffler both put up good numbers this year.
Exactly what I was going to say.
I also think with Stafford’s arm strength Scheffler will be able to do some damage down the middle of the field.
Best TE duo in the NFL
Pettigrew and Scheffler are monsters I can’t remember a duo at that postion that was that lethal. Add in Heller as depth I don’t think you can upgrade without adding a Greg Olson or Gonzalez which will never happen.
"If everything seems under control, you're just not going fast enough." Mario Andretti
PCP 4 LIFE
Wonder if Dickson's agent will be on POD again...
to give us an update on his offseason….(Sarcasm)
….Also to mention how Dickson is poised for a breakout year and clearly the best TE on the roster…lol
Okay, I’ll ease up a bit….lol
It would be nice for Dickson to ‘breakout’… as that would mean even more depth for the offense.
Schef is a liability in the run game.
Luckily, he won’t need to be on the field as much now that there might be a competent third WR and a run game. I would much rather see Pettigrew and Heller playing on run downs and screens.
"To achieve victory, we must mass our forces at the hub of all power and movement, the enemies center of gravity." -Carl von Clausewitz
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