With the 177th pick in the draft, the Detroit Lions selected Virginia Tech tight end James Mitchell.
While it may not look like it on paper, tight end is a major need for the Lions. Former first-round pick T.J. Hockenson is the undisputed starter at the position, but the offense would benefit from a second playmaking tight end more a few reasons.
First and foremost is Hockenson’s health. Though he is one of the top players at the position in the NFL, his injuries have sidelined him for nine games in the last three seasons. In each of those games, the Lions did not have a reliable second tight end who could step up and fill Hockenson’s shoes.
The other reason why a second tight end is a major need is because of the coaching staff. It’s no secret the staff likes the tight end position. Head coach Dan Campbell is a former Lions tight end himself, and this past offseason the Lions promoted tight ends coach Ben Johnson to offensive coordinator.
So how does Mitchell play into this?
Prior to drafting the former Virginia Tech Hokie, the depth behind Hockenson tight end looked bleak. The Lions brought in Garrett Griffin in free agency and recently released Hunter Bryant and Jordan Thomas. They also have Brock Wright, Shane Zylstra, Jared Pinkney, and Matt Sokol rostered.
Mitchell has the chance to unseat all of those players for the second tight end role. At Virginia Tech, he was used as a receiving tight end, slot receiver, outside receiver, fullback, and even as a kick returner.
This versatility will open up the playbook for Detroit and allow them to use more two-tight end sets on offense.
The one caveat is that Mitchell is recovering from an ACL tear that he suffered in September. He should be ready to go by training camp, but at least the Lions have options for Hockenson’s primary backup if he isn’t cleared to play.