Report: Eric Ebron to line up in the slot most of the time
Eric Ebron was one of the most highly touted players coming into May’s NFL draft. Many teams expected the former North Carolina tight end to go quickly as he has the potential to be the next great tight end in the NFL.
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Ebron was not on the board for long, as the Detroit Lions selected him with the 10th overall pick. The Lions hope that Ebron can become a major target for Matthew Stafford, while potentially opening up some lanes for Pro Bowl wide receiver Calvin Johnson.
Although Ebron played tight end at North Carolina, reports are suggesting that Ebron will ultimately play most of his snaps while lining up in the slot.
According to CBS Sports, the Lions plan on utilizing two tight end sets with Brandon Pettigrew set as the in-line blocker while Ebron lines up in the slot. This is expected to occur about two-thirds of the time, which means that Ebron will be in a similar situation to the likes of Jimmy Graham.
If you recall, Graham recently attempted to change his title to wide receiver considering the fact that he plays more than 50% of his snaps lined up outside. Unfortunately for Graham, and future tight ends that play in the slot or outside a lot, the arbitrator decided that Graham should be considered a tight end, and thus would get less money from a franchise tag option.
Regardless of the issues between the distinction of being a tight end and wide receiver, it seems the Lions will be utilizing Ebron as a pass-catcher and not a blocker in his rookie season.