often viewed as an elite-tier quarterback and le

A closer look at the Lions depth chart leaves serious concerns at the tight end position beyond Jesse James."WhiteFanposts Fanshots Sections Detroit Lions NewsDetroit Lions NotesDetroit Lions AnalysisDetroit Lions TransactionsDetroit Lions Game RecapsBreaking NewsIntroducing the 2019 Detroit Lions Draft Class! 脳Detroit Lions RosterDetroit Lions AnalysisNext Man Up: Is Jesse James a one-man show at tight end?New Kerryon Johnson Jersey ,33commentsA closer look at the Lions depth chart leaves serious concerns at the tight end position beyond Jesse James.EDTShareTweetShareShareNext Man Up: Is Jesse James a one-man show at tight end?Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY SportsOne of the Detroit Lions’ biggest splash signings of this offseason was tight end Jesse James. As it stands now, James is set to take over the role of TE1 due to his ability, experience, and paycheck. James’ previous production has shown that he has the ability to be an average to below average starting tight end, more so a “1B” on the depth chart if you will. Nonetheless, James’ signing was necessary if the Lions wanted to go into the 2019 NFL Draft without tight end being a glaring need. If James were to go down though, then let’s just say the Lions would have to consider making some significant moves. Next Man Up: Michael RobertsThe Lions drafted Michael Roberts in the fourth round of the 2017 draft based on his extreme efficiency in the red zone while at the University of Toledo with the hope that he would blossom into just as good of a tight end between the 20s. That experiment hasn’t panned out, however. Roberts has had problems with drops and fumbles to add to his unrefined route-running ability, keeping him sidelined in favor of sub-par journeyman like Darren Fells and Levine Toilolo. Last offseason there was even talk of Roberts not making the team in his second season due to the emergence of Hakeem Valles, and Roberts’ continued his struggles into the 2018 season. In two full seasons with the Lions, Roberts has 13 receptions for 146 yards and three touchdowns to show for. For reference, Kenny Golladay, who the Lions picked just a round before Roberts Frank Ragnow Jersey , had seven catches for 146 yards in Week 15 of last season alone. Aside from Roberts, the only other tight end on the Lions roster is former quarterback-turned-tight-end Logan Thomas and Jerome Cunningham. Thomas, the 6-foot-7 Virginia Tech product, was on the Lions practice squad for two days in 2016. Thomas was only active for two regular season games in his first three seasons, both in his rookie year with Arizona, and has since played in 25 games over the last two seasons with the Buffalo Bills. For what it’s worth, Thomas has been just as productive as Roberts over that time, posting 19 catches for 144 yards and one touchdown.Grade: FIf the Lions were to lose Jesse James for any reason, they might as well just stop using tight ends in the offense. Relying on either of their (lack of) depth to take over the role of starting tight end is worrisome to say the least. The Lions were fortunate to land James in Detroit with a free agent class full of average to below average tight ends, and signing James the Lions eliminated the need to draft a tight end in the first day or two of the draft. It seems clear, however, that they will inevitably grab another tight end to complement James or at least be a competent backup. Some names to watch on draft weekend include Dawson Knox, Jace Sternberger Marvin Jones Jersey , Kahale Warring, and Foster Moreau. Former Lions and Seahawks receiver Golden Tate said Stafford was the best quarterback he’s played with. Is that true?" Detroit Lions OpinionNFL Open ThreadsNFL OpinionWednesday open thread: Is Matthew Stafford better than Russell Wilson?New,147commentsFormer Lions and Seahawks receiver Golden Tate said Stafford was the best quarterback he’s played with. Is that true?EDTI thought the headline might grab your attention. Earlier this week, former Seattle Seahawk and Detroit Lion Golden Tate said in an interview that “as of now, where I am today, I think (Matthew) Stafford’s been the best quarterback I’ve played with.”That rose some eyebrows, as Tate’s quarterback in Seattle, Russell Wilson, is often viewed as an elite-tier quarterback and led Tate and the Seahawks to a Super Bowl win in 2013. Thus, it begs the question of how much truth there is to that statement, and whether you buy Golden Tate’s claim. Question of the day: Is Matthew Stafford better than Russell Wilson?My answer: Of course not, but that doesn’t mean Tate’s lying either. That’s no knock on Stafford, as he most certainly is an above average starting quarterback whom the Lions are lucky to have. Wilson Darius Slay Jersey , however, has solidified himself as one of the game’s best quarterbacks with his unique combination of elusiveness and arm ability. There’s a reason the Seahawks have stayed afloat despite their roster getting turned upside down in recent years, and it’s him. At the same time, I’m certain that Golden Tate meant what he said. While Wilson was good from the start of his career, Tate only played alongside Wilson for two years, wherein he hadn’t quite reached his current elite level yet. Likewise, from a performance standpoint, Tate has every reason to believe in what he said. After putting up 688 and 898 receiving yards in each of his first two seasons, respectively, Tate went on to average receiving 1056 yards per season in his four total seasons with Detroit, setting him up for his $37.5 million payday with the New York Giants this offseason. All things considered, it’s no surprise he remembers Stafford and Detroit so fondly.