ALLEN PARK -- Detroit Lions general manager Martin Mayhew said in February that he expected Joseph Fauria to have a bigger role in the offense this year.

Then he spent a first-round pick on Eric Ebron to effectively take Fauria's place in the offense.

Both players are pass-catching tight ends who do their best work downfield. Both work a lot from the slot.

But Ebron likely will be first in the pecking order, leaving Fauria to fight for whatever role he can.

He lined up all over the field during OTAs on Wednesday, including in-line in one- and two-tight end formations. He also played in the slot and even split out wide as the Lions figure out exactly where his place is in the new offense.

"We're trying it all out," Fauria said after practice. "I'm outside, I'm out wide, I'm in the backfield. So is (Brandon Pettigrew), so is E. So we're all trying to get out there any way we can.

"I think I can fit anywhere. Where ever you put me, I'll do well."

Fauria was one of the Lions' biggest surprises during the first half of last season. He went undrafted out of UCLA and was one of the last players to make the team, but then caught five touchdown passes in the first six weeks.

He was a behemoth in the red zone, where his 6-foot-7 frame and sure hands posed serious matchup problems for defenses. And he became a hit nationally for his innovative touchdown dances.

But the league did seem to figure out Fauria as the season advanced. He caught just two more touchdown passes in the final 10 games, despite Tony Scheffler -- his competition for playing time -- getting cut in October. Fauria's biggest problem was his ineffectiveness between the 20s. He caught just 12 passes outside of the red zone last season.

He was thought to have an opportunity for more of a role under new offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi, who is bringing a tight end-friendly scheme to Detroit. But now Ebron is aboard to fill the Jimmy Graham role.

Ebron won't cut into Brandon Pettigrew's role much, but the same cannot be said of Fauria.

Fauria said all the right things during a 2-minute interview after Wednesday's practice in Allen Park, though did it with uncharacteristic brevity.

"When you're in the first round, you pick the best player, and at No. 10, the Lions front office thought that was the best player," Fauria said. "He's going to help our team win.

"We've only had two OTAs. We're still figuring out what (my) role is, and we'll continue to figure that out."

How can he carve out a bigger role at a position group that already includes first-rounders Ebron and Pettigrew?

"Just try to work on every facet of the game -- blocking, catching and playing outside the 20s, like you guys talk about," Fauria said.

Detroit appears to be experimenting with Fauria during the early portions of OTAs, as the new staff figures out how to employ the tight end's unique skill-set.

"Obviously, Joe has talent. He certainly demonstrated that last year," coach Jim Caldwell said. "Every position, there is certainly a lot of competition. That's what makes you a good team -- when you do have competition at every spot. Guys are scratching and digging, and he's doing a great job of that.

"You can tell there's a bit of intensity about him. But also, I think the thing about it is there is room enough for a number of talented guys at that position. That's the key."