Where the Lions roster stands: Tight end

As we start to look ahead to training camp, we're going to take a position-by-position look at the Detroit Lions roster. Next up is the tight end position.

Back from last season: Brandon Pettigrew, Tony Scheffler

New to the team: Michael Williams, Joseph Fauria, Matt Veldman

There's an interesting dynamic at tight end with the Lions adding three new faces to the position this offseason. Brandon Pettigrew and Tony Scheffler are both back again for the Lions, and both should continue to be the main players at tight end. The Lions could certainly use more consistency out of Pettigrew and Scheffler, but they are set to continue to have a big role in the offense.

What makes this position so interesting is that the Lions drafted Michael Williams and signed undrafted free agent Joseph Fauria. Williams is expected to take over the Will Heller role in the offense as a blocker who occasionally has passes thrown his way, whereas Fauria could potentially be a red zone target given that he's 6-7. Williams is a pretty good bet to make the team, but will Fauria show enough to stick around as the Lions' fourth tight end? That is one of the more interesting questions surrounding the Lions going into training camp.

The one other player at tight end is Matt Veldman, who was just signed this week. Like Fauria, he is 6-7, and he actually has a connection to Lions tight ends coach Bobby Johnson from their time together in Jacksonville. Perhaps Veldman could be the one with a shot at being the team's fourth tight end if Fauria doesn't live up to the hype he's received from fans.

Need going forward?

Considering we're already talking about the Lions potentially keeping an extra tight end on the roster this year, it's safe to say there's no need here. The Lions are pretty much set, and the only question at this point is about how many tight ends will actually make the team.

Previously: Quarterback, running back, wide receiver