Ranking 10 Tight Ends Lions Could Draft

The Detroit Lions could be in the market for a new tight end during this April's NFL Draft.

Since trading T.J. Hockenson, the Detroit Lions have been quiet about their plans at the tight end position moving forward. 

Lions head coach Dan Campbell and his staff have expressed confidence in the trio that filled the void left by Hockenson during the late stages of 2022. Shane Zylstra, Brock Wright and James Mitchell each produced key moments, as a result of their extended playing time. 

Moving toward the 2023 NFL Draft, though, the team could still add more talent at the position. The class is a deep one, and new Lions tight ends coach Steve Heiden hinted at the fact that the team could be looking to make an addition. 

“I think, in my room, or in that tight end room in general, any tight end room, there’s always ways to improve,” Heiden told reporters Wednesday. “It’s a position that you got to be, in the passing game, you’ve got to go block a 300-pounder, and next play, you’ve got to go run by a safety. So, there’s always things to improve on, and we’ll work on that once we get in.”

In such a deep class, there are plenty of talented options to choose from. Here is a ranking of 10 tight ends the Lions could draft this year. 

10.) Payne Durham, Purdue

Durham was a riser during the offseason circuit. He had a solid showing during the Senior Bowl, including a highlight-reel catch during team scrimmage drills. 

May I present to you the best play of the Senior Bowl so far:

A @BoilerFootball TE Payne Durham TD 🔥 pic.twitter.com/U37PN0nMV2

— Cam Mellor (@CamMellor) February 2, 2023

He has work to do as a blocker, and could improve the overall technique of his route-running. But, his 6-foot-5 frame lends itself to him becoming a solid red-zone threat at the professional level. 

9.) Josh Whyle, Cincinnati

The Cincinnati product played a big role in his team's run to the College Football Playoff in 2021, snagging six touchdowns and providing a reliable target for quarterback Desmond Ridder. 

He needs more polish in most aspects of his game, but he has projectable traits, such as catching with his hands and serviceable run-blocking ability. Whyle could be a solid buy-low option. 

8.) Zack Kuntz, Old Dominion

Kuntz is a prospect who is filled with potential. He's coming off an ACL injury -- which limited his final campaign to just five games -- and he had just one season of over 150 receiving yards. 

If the Lions feel good about his traits and athleticism, then he would be a solid middle-round pick. It's all about development, though, as he still has plenty of room to grow. 

7.) Tucker Kraft, South Dakota State

Kraft blossomed at the FCS level, going from a no-star recruit to one of the top performers at his position.

Injuries hindered his progress, as he suffered from knee and ankle ailments during his final two campaigns. He's got good athleticism and strength for his size, and continues to grow as a blocker. 

6.) Sam LaPorta, Iowa

If the Lions are looking to replace Hockenson with a similar player, LaPorta may be their guy. Hailing from Iowa, the same alma mater as Detroit's former tight end, he possesses a similar skill set. 

LaPorta is at his best as a pass-catcher. While his blocking skills may leave more to be desired, he excels in route-running and catching, and will make an impact on the offense where he lands. 

5.) Luke Schoonmaker, Michigan

Serving as a backup for most of his career, Schoonmaker emerged as the starter when Erick All was lost for the season in 2022 due to injury. Used mostly as a blocker in years past, Schoonmaker showcased his receiving mettle in his final season in Ann Arbor. 

He enjoyed a career year last season, putting his skill on tape for scouts who saw potential in him. 

There's no questioning his athleticism as a route-runner, but he lacks the breakaway speed that would vault him into the next tier of prospects. 

Junfu Han, USA TODAY NETWORK

4.) Luke Musgrave, Oregon State

Musgrave is a talented pass-catcher who brings a punch as a blocker. He doesn't always take the perfect angle during run-blocking situations, but his value as a pass-catcher will outweigh his struggles in the run game. 

3.) Michael Mayer, Notre Dame

Mayer is a solid athlete. He projects as a solid pass-catcher, but struggles at times as a blocker. 

His ability to make plays after the catch will make him appealing. He'll have an impact in the passing game. With back-to-back seasons of over 800 receiving yards, he projects as an impactful player in the passing game. 

2.) Dalton Kincaid, Utah

Throughout the offseason, Kincaid has risen up draft boards. His ability as a receiver makes him desirable, and he brings solid stability as a blocker, as well. 

He flirted with 900 passing yards in two seasons during his college career. While he has dealt with injuries, his performance when healthy has given scouts something to fantasize over. 

1.) Darnell Washington, Georgia

There may not be a better fit for the Lions' offensive scheme than Washington. With a solid blend of size and athleticism, he could be a difference-maker for Detroit in more ways than one. 

His 6-foot-7 frame allows him to be a mismatch on smaller defenders, and he's shown plenty of ability to make contested catches. However, as evidenced by his role with the Bulldogs, he doesn't demand the ball. 

Perhaps more impressive than athleticism is his strength. Washington excelled in blocking drills at the combine, and has been billed by scouts as an extra offensive lineman. 

For a Lions team looking to build with the run game, his abilities in that aspect could cause havoc for opposing defenses.