July 16, 2008

The new design of the Lions’ offense should have the TE position contributing more than it did last season, when it was an afterthought in the passing game (a league-low 19 receptions by true tight ends) and little-used in run blocking because the Lions chose to throw so often. The return of Dan Campbell should be a big boost. He’s a first-class run blocker, and though he’s coming off elbow surgery, he’s expected to be ready to go at the start of camp. Free-agent addition Michael Gaines arrives with a reputation as a good blocker, but he has spoken often about his ability to catch the ball and should get a chance to do so in a scheme that will involve more passing routes than former coordinator Mike Martz chose to utilize. Casey FitzSimmons and Sean McHugh are more H-back types (they played fullback in Martz’s offense but are considered tight ends now), and neither is an outstanding blocker, but they can catch the ball. Also in the mix is John Owens, but the team is not likely to keep more than four at this position.