Detroit Lions roster review: Tight end

As part of our season wrap-up series, we are going to examine how each player on the roster performed in 2014. Next, let's take a look at the Detroit Lions' tight ends. (Note: Stats are from regular-season games only.)

Brandon Pettigrew - 14 games (9 starts) | 10 catches, 70 yards

When the Lions re-signed Pettigrew to a four-year, $16 million deal last offseason, that seemed like an indication that he was going to continue to have a big role on offense. As a blocker, it's true that he did in fact continue to have a big role. As a receiver in the passing game, however, Pettigrew disappeared in 2014. He only had 10 catches all year, and he only caught a single pass in the final nine games of the regular season. I know Pettigrew has had problems with drops and fumbles in the past, but it was surprising to see the Lions basically ignore him in the passing game this season.

Eric Ebron - 13 games (7 starts) | 25 catches, 248 yards, 1 TD

Ebron had a pretty disappointing rookie season, to say the least. An injury in the middle of the season really slowed his development for a month or so, and he just never became a real threat in the passing game. Granted, the Lions threw a lot at him in terms of learning the offense, and his blocking did seemingly improve over the course of the season. But Ebron really needs to take a big step forward in his second season.

Joseph Fauria - 7 games (0 starts) | 6 catches, 74 yards, 1 TD

For Fauria, 2014 will forever be known as the season ruined by his peeing dog (or ruined by a volleyball injury, depending on who you believe). Fauria just never got healthy after sustaining a pretty severe ankle injury, and he ended up on injured reserve after reinjuring his ankle in Week 14. This offseason, his top priority is to simply get healthy.

Kellen Davis - 6 games (0 starts)

As injuries piled up at tight end, the Lions brought in Davis on two separate occasions. He didn't have a single catch, which isn't a surprise when you consider that he was signed simply for his blocking.

Previously: Quarterback, running back, fullback, wide receiver