The Facts: Fells may be best known for his blocking, but the Lions see much more than that in their new tight end. Both Lions general manager Bob Quinn and head coach Jim Caldwell made a point at the NFL owners meetings last week to say they see Fells as a viable receiving option in their offense this fall. "He's a big, primarily blocking tight end, but we think we can utilize him in other areas as well because he's a really athletic guy for being so big," Quinn said.
Diehards Line:
Eric Ebron, the Lions’ third leading receiver last season, remains the team’s No. 1 option at the position, but the Lions envision Fells as an all-purpose tight end who can help out as a red-zone threat and as a blocker in the run game. “Fells is one of those guys that I think has obviously the bulk and power that you’re looking for,” Caldwell said. “Even though he’s that ex-basketball player, he’s got some ruggedness in inline blocking. But he also has I think some skills just in terms of being able to catch the ball as well.” The Lions ranked 30th in the NFL in rushing last year, and saw adding Fells as a surefire way to upgrade their running game.