Now that the offseason is in full bloom, it is time to speculate what the Detroit Lions will do to fix the holes on their roster. After general manager Bob Quinn was unsuccessful in his quest to upgrade the tight end position in 2018, he will most likely be looking heavily at that spot this offseason.

This is the first in a series of articles examining if the Lions should fill needed positions through the draft or free agency. Let’s start by analyzing the tight end options.

On the roster

The Lions currently only have two tight ends on the roster: Michael Roberts and Jerome Cunningham, while Levine Toilolo and Luke Willson will be free agents.

Expectations were for Roberts to take hold of the top tight end spot after the Lions released Eric Ebron but because of injuries and inconsistent play, he was never able to gain traction playing in only eight games. He would only catch nine passes the entire year, with three of them being touchdowns.

Cunningham was on and off the Lions practice squad the entire year and didn’t play much of a factor for the Lions.

Free agents

Jared Cook will probably be the most coveted free agent tight end after a Pro Bowl season that saw him set career highs in catches (68), yards (896), and touchdowns (six). Teams will be banking on this being more than just a flash-in-a-pan season for Cook. He will be 32 by the time next season starts so the big question is, will Father Time catch up to him? According to Spotrac, Cook’s market value is $7.1 million per year and should receive a three-year contract.

#Raiders tight end Jared Cook had a career year in 2018, and it earned him his first Pro Bowl appearance

#ProBowl2019 pic.twitter.com/zcaqPWX1Dw — PFF OAK Raiders (@PFF_Raiders) January 27, 2019

Tyler Eifert has been an injury liability the majority of his career, never playing a full season since he was drafted in 2015. When he is healthy, he has been a very effective red zone target, recording 16 red zone touchdowns through his career – good for second among active tight ends. He will only get a one-year prove-it deal at less than the $5.5 million he made this past season because of said history.

Jesse James has never had the chance to showcase his full potential while in Pittsburgh being backup to Vance McDonald. When he has got his chance, James has stepped up in any situation the coaches have asked of him. He can be a solid receiver and an effective blocker. James will probably command somewhere in the $5 million range per year.

Draft prospects

T.J. Hockenson is being pegged as the most complete tight end to come out for the draft in quite some time. Coming out of Iowa, he is a true plug-and-play player for any team. He can run routes, catch contested balls, has excellent hands, and an effective blocker. He will probably be the first tight end to come off the board come draft day. The question will be is Lions pick too high to draft him?

Oh that's right, we have TJ Hockenson pic.twitter.com/sqAgsSrU2y — HeavensBarstool (@HeavensHawkeye) January 1, 2019

Noah Fant is another strong tight end prospect coming out of Iowa. He is not as complete as his counterpart, but he is still very effective. He is extremely athletic and has the ability to stretch the field. With his great ball skills and excellent hands, he is a true playmaker. There is some work needed with blocking and route running, but the intangibles are there. He also has a chance to go in the first round.

Irv Smith Jr. had a very productive season with Alabama, recording 710 yards and seven touchdowns. With his athleticism, route running, and superior blocking ability, he is one of the most well-rounded tight ends in this draft class. Smith’s draft projections are around late first/early second so the Lions might have a shot at him with their second-round pick.

Verdict

The best avenue for the Lions to fill their tight end spot will probably be through the draft.

The free agency class is not strong with impactful players, mostly composed of depth-type players. Cook had a great season, but age and money might too high for the Lions. Eifert’s injury history is a cause for concern to throw any significant money at him. James has been a backup majority of his career, so it’s hard to judge what exactly you are getting with him.

This might be the best tight end draft in recent memory. Hockenson can start day one and not miss a beat. Fant is an athletic freak and can create a lot of mismatches. Smith has all the right intangibles you are looking for in a tight end prospect. The tight end draft class is so deep you can find an effective one outside the first round.

If the Lions want Hockenson or Fant, they will probably have to take them with their first-round pick. Where the Lions are picking at eight, that might be too rich for the tight end position. So look for Quinn to either trade down or draft one in the second round like Smith. Either way, the draft is the Lions best option to fill the tight end spot.