Eric Ebron Excited About Lions, Future as He Transitions from College to Pros

"This offense is going to be ridiculous."

That's how rookie tight end Eric Ebron of the Detroit Lions described the potential return of playmakers like wide receiver Calvin Johnson, running back Reggie Bush and himself to the offense. Though, heading into Week 11, the Lions offense is only averaging 340.1 yards per game (19th in the league), much of that has to do with nagging and consistent injuries all over that side of the ball in Motown. 

That quote about the offense originated from a sideline conversation between Ebron, Johnson and Bush while the team played the Atlanta Falcons in London. All three were hyped because of the atmosphere at Wembley Stadium and were dreaming about what could be with the three of them out on the field. 

Bush has been injured off and on but returned with Johnson (who has missed missed three games this season but played injured in a few others) in Week 10 against the Miami Dolphins. Ebron, now healthy, is expected to play in Week 11 against the Arizona Cardinals after putting together a full week of practice. Fellow tight end Joseph Fauria is also expected to return. 

Ebron wouldn't be returning unless he was ready. Concerning his injury status, Ebron said, "You want to be 100 percent. Don’t want to go out with less than that." He added, in our interview last week, that he had yet to really go out and test the injury but was excited to do so. Now that he has done that, it should be all systems go for a Lions offense that is desperate to finally blast off this season. 

Ebron sat down to talk to Bleacher Report as part of a media blitz for Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare, a game that Ebron says he plays "every day," so much so that his fiancee got mad at him for playing so much once the game came out. Because he's been rehabbing, he's certainly had the time, and Ebron said he's gotten good at the game and is intrigued with all of the stuff they've added this year. 

New experiences and learning curves are a good theme for Ebron on the field as well. 

Before the draft, I spoke to Ebron, who said he doesn't want to be an "ordinary tight end:"

"

If I’m just a tight end, then I’d be expected to play fullback sometimes and block like a traditional tight end, but I don’t think I’m just a tight end or any ordinary tight end. If you need me to block, I will, and I’ll do a good job doing it. If you need me to run routes like a receiver, I can do that with ease. I think I’m a game-changer.

"

The biggest issue is that the versatility and explosiveness Ebron has is also a detriment to that aforementioned learning curve because the Lions have put Ebron into a bunch of different roles on the field. Compound that to the injuries, and Ebron has not had the impact he might have wanted. 

"It's difficult," Ebron said, "because it’s certainly not easy—only because I’m not learning one position. I’m learning a lot because of my versatility. It was hard at the beginning. First you learn, then you get a feel for it, then you can start contributing. It takes a lot to master one position, and I'm learning a bunch."

Frank Franklin II/Associated Press

This has stressed Ebron out a bit because (once healthy) he's just another weapon in quarterback Matthew Stafford's arsenal. At North Carolina, Ebron was so much more. I asked him what's been the most difficult for him in this transition: "Not being 'that guy,' just being patient and waiting your turn. You can just change the game in college. We have so many playmakers on offense here, and you have to wait your turn."

Still, this is life in the NFL, where there aren't future accountants, lawyers and teachers lined up across from you or sharing the locker room. So, Ebron knows that this is a positive experience for him.

"It helps humble you," Ebron said. "It helps build character."

Ebron is also very happy to be with the Lions. He's become a huge fan of Lions tight end coach Ron Prince, whom he says is a perfectionist like himself: "Coach knows there's always something you can improve on. We want to be perfect every play. I’ve always prided myself trying to do everything the right way. It's great to have a coach where we’re on the same page. He can help me be even greater." 

Greatness came a little easier for Ebron at UNC, but with the Lions, he's excited for the greatness to come. He's right about the offense, by the way, as the arsenal that Stafford has removes any excuses from the equation. Whether it's against the Cardinals or any of the Lions' future opponents, a sea change is going to come for this group, and there may be no looking back for the rest of the NFL. 

Michael Schottey is an NFL National Lead Writer for Bleacher Report and an award-winning member of the Pro Football Writers of America. Find more of his stuff on his archive page and follow him on Twitter.