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Detroit Lions rookie tight end Eric Ebron was more impactful than his two receptions for eight yards would suggest.

(Patrick Record | MLive.com)

The Detroit Lions' selection of Eric Ebron in the first round of the 2014 draft will be a debated move for years to come. Even though data suggests it typically takes a little longer for tight ends to develop, the limited patience of Lions fans is being put to the test by Ebron's paltry early-season production.

Through five games, he has caught just eight passes for 80 yards and one touchdown. He's also dropped two passes, including what would have been a second score in Detroit's 17-14 loss to the Buffalo Bills.

Despite these numbers, Ebron's role is increasing by the week and the coaching staff continues to praise his development. Against the Bills he played a season-high 37 snaps and coach Jim Caldwell had good things to say about the rookie's performance during his Monday press conference.

"We feel good about Eric," Caldwell said. "We think he's making good progress. It may not show up in the numbers, targets and things of that nature that one would like to see. But nevertheless, I think you're going to see him continue to get better."

Fortunately, the film comes out on Tuesday, so we can make our own assessments. And after watching all 37 snaps, we're buying what Caldwell is selling on this occasion.

It starts with Ebron's first snap, a third-and-9 on Detroit's opening drive. The Lions line up with four wide, three to the left side of the formation. Ebron is part of the trips to the left, closest to the line of scrimmage.

The Bills counter by rushing just three lineman and dropping back into what looks like a quarters zone (four deep).

Ebron runs a deep post up the middle, drawing the attention of both safeties and a linebacker. Calvin Johnson, wide left, runs a deep route down the sideline, maintaining the focus of the corner to that side.

That leaves Golden Tate, the middle man on the left side, wide open on a skinny post. Quarterback Matthew Stafford misses the read (and potential touchdown) on a checkdown to Reggie Bush which is stopped for a two-yard gain, resulting in a punt.

If you're squeamish about missed opportunities, avert your eyes.

If that made you sick, this next one is only going to make it worse.

On Ebron's second snap, Detroit goes with an empty backfield, motioning into four receivers left, with the tight end again closest to the formation. He runs a similar route, right up the middle, and no Bills defender picks him up.

Here's the worst part. Stafford appears to be staring Ebron down, but instead of firing to the open man streaking down the middle of the field, the quarterback tucks the ball and takes a sack.

That's probably a second missed touchdown on two drives that ended three-and-out to open the game.

While the Bills did let Ebron loose on that particular play, that was an anomaly. Buffalo was visibly keyed in on the rookie, which created some opportunities for other receivers.

On a second-and-5 in the third quarter, Ebron drew a linebacker outside on a short out route, creating inside space against the zone coverage for slot receiver Jeremy Ross to sit down, make a short grab and turn upfield for a 13-yard gain.

On that same drive, Ebron, lining up wide left, ran a deep route drawing double coverage. (This might have been Calvin Johnson's alignment had he been in the game). By taking the outside linebacker upfield, it cleared the flat for a swing to George Winn, but the debuting running back couldn't hold to the pass.

It must also be noted that Ebron did a pretty nice job blocking, missing just one backside assignment late in the game that didn't impact the play.

He didn't just get in the way, like some tight ends do, he sealed lanes, including twice one-on-one against defensive end Jarius Wynn. Ebron also had a nice chip, rerouting defensive end Mario Williams, before running a short route to the flat where he hauled in a five-yard pass.

Bottom line, Ebron played significantly better than his numbers indicate, managing to impact the game beyond the box score. The Lions unquestionable need more counting stats out of the rookie tight end, especially with injuries piling up. But as shown, sometimes the quarterback doesn't always find the open target.

And it goes without saying, Ebron needs to sharpen up his mitts. He should have had a touchdown grab in back-to-back weeks had he hauled in the well-placed slant that was eventually overturned.

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