One TE Lions Could Select in Every Round of NFL Draft

Evaluating tight ends in every round of 2024 NFL Draft.

Georgia tight end Brock Bowers (19) drives down the field after pulling in a pass. / Joshua L. Jones / USA TODAY NETWORK

The Detroit Lions found a star in the making last year when they drafted Sam LaPorta in the second round.

LaPorta went on to have a record-setting rookie campaign, as he broke the previous mark for receptions by a rookie tight end while earning Pro Bowl and second-team All-Pro honors.

The Lions appear to be in a good spot at the position with LaPorta and Brock Wright, who they elected to keep after he signed an offer sheet with the San Francisco 49ers by excercising their right of first refusal.

Still, the team could look to add a third option at the position in the upcoming Draft. Here is one tight end the Lions could target in every round of NFL Draft.

Round 1

Brock Bowers, Georgia

The Lions would surprise many by selectiong a tight end in the first round of the Draft, but Bowers would be a superb fit within their offense. He's versatile to line up all over the offense and would be a matchup nightmare playing next to LaPorta.

If the Lions elected to go this route, they would have the best tandem of young tight ends in the league. Bowers is an excellent route runner with strong hands and the ability to generate yards after the catch.

Bowers likely wouldn't be available at the Lions' 29th overall pick, so acquiring him would require a trade up.

Georgia Bulldogs tight end Brock Bowers (19) runs after a catch during the third quarter. / Jake Crandall / USA TODAY NETWORK

Round 2

Ja'Tavion Sanders

There's separation between Bowers and the rest of the class, as Bowers is viewed as a generational prospect. Yet, Sanders is the TE2 on many analysts' boards with a deep array of skills as both a receiver and a run blocker.

Over the last two seasons, Sanders has totaled 99 catches for 1,245 yards and seven touchdowns. He's big and physical, which allows him to succeed both as a run blocker and at the catch point.

Sanders uses his hands well in run blocking situations and drives his feet, but still has some set-backs within his technique. By continuing to develop as a run blocker, he could be a dynamic prospect at the next level.

Jan 1, 2024; New Orleans, LA, USA; Texas Longhorns tight end Ja'Tavion Sanders (0) makes a catch against Washington. / Matthew Hinton-USA TODAY Sports

Round 3

Cade Stover, Ohio State

Stover began his collegiate career as a linebacker, but quickly transitioned to tight end after just one season. It took him time to grow into the role, but he finished his career with two strong seasons for the Buckeyes.

The Ohio State product is more dynamic as a pass-catcher than run blocker, and his performance over the last two seasons has shown he can be a strong threat in the passing game. He's able to break nicely in and out of routes and is a strong catcher with his hands as opposed to his body.

Stover will need to improve as a run blocker. He is strong, but he'll need to continue developing in terms of his hands placement and driving his feet on blocks in the ground game.

Mar 20, 2024; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes tight end Cade Stover catches a pass during his Pro Day. / Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA

Round 4

The Lions do not currently own a fourth-round selection

Round 5

Dallin Holker, Colorado State

Holker had a quiet three seasons at BYU, but his production exploded after transferring to Colorado State in 2023. After logging 42 receptions total over his first three years, Holker hauled in 64 passes for 767 yards and six touchdowns in his final year at Colorado State.

The tight end displayed an ability to maneuver in space and battle for contested catches. Holker is undersized, though, and sometimes struggles with blocking in the run game.

His ascension last year is encouraging with regards to his pro potential, and Holker could wind up being a late-round steal if he's able to put it all together.

Nov 18, 2023; Fort Collins, Colorado, USA; Colorado State Rams tight end Dallin Holker (5). / Michael Madrid-USA TODAY Sports

Round 6

AJ Barner, Michigan

Barner ended his career at Michigan after playing three seasons at Indiana. He had modest receiving production, but he was a secondary option at the position for the national champions.

Barner was the second option behind Colston Loveland, who is a likely first-round pick in next year's Draft. Last year, Barner hauled in 22 passes for 249 yards and one touchdown. In Michigan's run-oriented offense, he was a big contributor as a run blocker.

The prospect is a decent athlete who sometimes struggles in contested catch situations. As a result, he will need to develop before becoming a big part of a team's offense.

Jan 8, 2024; Houston, TX, USA; Michigan Wolverines tight end AJ Barner (89) against the Washington Huskies. / Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Round 7

Tanner McLachlan, Arizona

McLachlan has the makings of a late-round prospect that blooms into a strong contributor. He's small for the position, but he runs good routes and has good hands. He appears to have the necessary abilities to break off routes and generate space from defenders.

He needs to continue to develop as a run blocker and uses his strength. However, he has the makings of a solid contributor in the NFL passing game. A separating factor will be if he can show that he can handle the physicality of the professional level.

Mar 1, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Arizona tight end Tanner McLachlan (TE09) works out during the NFL Scouting Combine. / Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports