How Eric Ebron Fits with the Detroit Lions

All of the bluster about the Detroit Lions moving up or down in the 2014 NFL draft turned out to be just that—hot air.

The Lions didn't make a bold strike to grab Sammy Watkins at No. 4 like the Buffalo Bills. And for two first-round picks and a fourth-rounder, it was the smart call.

General manager Martin Mayhew let the draft come to him, as he often does, and snapped up North Carolina tight end Eric Ebron. It was the right move. Let me show you why.

Ebron Fills a Need

Everyone, including myself, pounded the table while screaming that the Lions had to grab a top-notch playmaker for the offense in this draft. But while we were busy discussing whether that should be the aforementioned Watkins, Mike Evans or some other receiver, Mayhew was widening his search parameters.

"

Mayhew said after Watkins, Ebron was Joe Lombardi's second choice.

— Tim Twentyman (@ttwentyman) May 9, 2014"

It was easy to dismiss Ebron because the Lions already have two established tight ends on the roster. Theoretically, Brandon Pettigrew could handle the combo duties of blocking and occasionally catching (and dropping) a pass, while Joseph Fauria would show that he's more than just a red-zone threat.

But Ebron is a huge upgrade over either option when it comes to explosiveness and ability to make a play. He pumped out a 4.60 40-yard dash, has a 32" vertical and drapes 250 pounds over his 6'4" frame.

Offensive Coordinator Joe Lombardi Knows How to Use Him

Plus, while you're worrying about someone's diminished role, you're missing the big picture.

"

Ebron & Tate working one side, one as slot one as wide, Calvin solo on other side. Bush in backfield. Defend that, NFC North.

— Jeff Risdon (@JeffRisdon) May 9, 2014"

And don't forget about Joique Bell. The number of threats on this team is starting to resemble a certain ensemble that marched all the way to the Super Bowl last year.

If you take a step closer though and focus solely on Ebron, you'll see that the sky is the limit for him. Offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi spent the last few seasons learning from masterminds Sean Payton and Drew Brees on how to use an uber-talented tight end who creates a mismatch with whomever is defending him.

It's a little early to say that Ebron will post the type of numbers that Graham did, but he certainly could. The difference here is that while Graham is the focal point, Ebron might be the third or fourth option on the team.

And like Graham, he will be used all over the field to keep defenses on their heels. He can use that blazing speed to run by a safety or linebacker if he lines up closer to the tackle, or he can use his bigger body to post up defensive backs. There just isn't a good way to defend him.

Final Analysis

If you play fantasy football, you should realize how brilliant this pick really was. Every year, guys target wide receivers or quarterbacks early because those are the glamour positions. But the real value is in tight ends. There are only a handful that belong in that elite category, with a couple others who make an appearance but don't stay long due to injuries or age.

The newest member of that club? Eric Ebron.

Look at all of the evidence above. Check out the embedded Team Stream Now video where Bleacher Report draft guru Matt Miller and Chris Simms compare him to Vernon Davis.

There just aren't too many tight ends that can do the things these guys can do.

And now the Detroit Lions have one.

So how will Eric Ebron fit in Detroit? Like a glove.

Brandon Alisoglu is a Detroit Lions featured columnist who has written about the Lions on multiple sites. He also co-hosts a Lions-centric podcast, Lions Central Radio. Yell at him on Twitter about how wrong he is @BrandonAlisoglu.

Combine stats are courtesy of NFL.com.