The Facts: The Lions covet versatile players, and Scheffler is as adaptable as they come in this scheme. Scheffler is a jack-of-all-trades for the Lions; part tight end, part blocker and part slot receiver. When the Lions needed a third receiver due to injuries the last couple years, Scheffler has stood up, moved over and played the slot. That’s allowed OC Scott Linehan to utilize his size and speed in favorable matchups. “I think Scheffler’s role gets even (bigger) for us this year,” Linehan told detroitlions.com. “It just changes our flexibility with personnel groups.”
Diehards Line:Scheffler had 27 catches for 347 yards last season with a 12.9 yards per catch average. His 12.9 average was second highest on the team to Calvin Johnson’s 17.5. His six touchdown receptions last season were the fourth-most among all NFL tight ends last season and tied for the fourth-highest single-season tally by a tight end in team history. Based on last year’s performance, Scheffler should get ample opportunity to duplicate last year's totals.