Lions 2022 draft preview: Detroit could seek blocker at tight end behind T.J. Hockenson

Over the next several days, leading up to the 2022 NFL Draft, we’re taking a position-by-position look at the Detroit Lions’ roster and evaluating how the team might address each unit. Today: Tight ends.

► Current roster: T.J. Hockenson, Brock Wright, Garrett Griffin, Jared Pinkney, Matt Sokol, Jordan Thomas, Hunter Bryant

► Short-term need: Five out of 10

► Long-term need: Six out of 10

► Top prospects: Trey McBride, Cade Otton, Greg Dulcich

► Mid-round options: Jeremy Ruckert, Daniel Bellinger

► Late-round considerations: John FitzPatrick, Teagan Quitoriano, Connor Heyward, Ko Kieft

► Analysis: The Lions have one really good tight end, but even if Hockenson manages to stay healthy the full season like he did during his Pro Bowl campaign in 2020, the team figures to have around 500 snaps to spare at the position. As it currently stands, the Lions don’t have a clear option on the roster commanding that playing time.

Sure, there are contenders. Wright, an undrafted rookie a year ago, returns after filling in for the injured Hockenson down the stretch last season. The 6-foot-5, 259-pounder flashed better than expected athleticism and route running, but struggled as a blocker. He obviously has the frame to be better in that area and it will be interesting to see what improvements he’ll be able to make with his first, full NFL offseason.

Detroit also added Griffin via free agency. After spending the early part of his career under the tutelage of Lions coach Dan Campbell in New Orleans, he’ll have a shot to crack Detroit’s roster this year. He’s coming off a season where he played a career-high 235 offensive snaps, primarily as a blocker, which is where the Lions need help most.

More: Justin Rogers’ 2022 NFL mock draft 2.0, post-free agency edition

In this class of prospects, there isn’t a stud, and it’s unlikely we’ll see a tight end come off the board in the first round and potentially not in the first 50 picks. McBride, Otton and Dulcich are all in the mix to be the first selected.

If Detroit is interested in committing significant draft resources to addressing the need, Ruckert makes sense in the third round. The Ohio State product wasn’t a huge pass-game weapon for the Buckeyes, but he had a nose for the end zone. Of his 54 receptions the past three seasons, 12 resulted in scores. Additionally, he was only dinged for three drops during that stretch. As a blocker, he has the size and mentality to be effective, but first-year struggles wouldn’t be unexpected as he adjusts to the demands for more refined technique at the pro level.

Bellinger is another option in the middle rounds. He was with the Lions at the Senior Bowl and impressed the staff with his willingness to go against accomplished edge rusher Kingsley Enagbare in one-on-one drills in front of the entire team. Bellinger took a couple of bad losses during those reps, but it was his desire to keep coming back for more that resonated with the coaching staff. At 6-foot-5, with above-average athleticism, the San Diego State product curiously peaked at 31 receptions in a season. That suggests there’s more meat on the bone when it comes to his ability to contribute in the pass game.

In the later rounds, it is easy to focus on some of the block-first options in this class. Included in that group is the versatile Heyward, out of Michigan State. The son of legendary fullback Craig “Ironhead” Heyward, Connor is smaller than his father, but more athletic and versatile, having lined up in a variety of alignments for the Spartans.

Also out of the Big Ten is Kieft, who could probably be had in the seventh round, or potentially even signed as an undrafted free agent. The 259-pounder out of Minnesota is a mauler who routinely impressed with his ability to put defenders on their backsides. His toughness and playing style would make him a favorite with coaches and teammates alike.

jdrogers@detroitnews.com

Twitter: @Justin_Rogers