Our 2025 NFL Combine preview series is progressing as we inch closer to the NFL’s televised coverage of the event on Thursday, February 27. So far, we have already previewed which quarterbacks, running backs, and wide receivers the Detroit Lions should be scouting. In this article, we wrap up the offensive skill positions by examining the tight end prospects that should be on general manager Brad Holmes’ radar.

Team need

The Lions should feel very comfortable with their tight ends group, as both Sam LaPorta and Brock Wright are signed through the next two seasons. However, the depth ends there as TE3 Shane Zylstra is a restricted free agent, and practice squader James Mitchell has already departed for the Panthers on a futures contract. Seeing as the Lions typically carry six to eight tight ends in training camp, even if Zylstra is re-signed, Detroit will be looking for tight ends to fill out their offseason roster.

Like at running back, the Lions are strong in the two-deep and will likely only be looking for a player capable of filling a small, specific role on offense and a larger role on special teams. That means the Lions will likely target Day 3/UDFA prospects who can play at TE-Y, inline tight ends, or H-backs. Prospects who excel in run blocking and can also be options in the short passing game will fit the Lions’ TE3 role.

What to watch for

In tight end receiving drills, a lot of the same traits identified in the wide receiver drills stay true. Meaning, keep an eye on things like explosion, crisp movements in routes, natural hands, and body control during on-field workouts.

Blocking drills are a bit harder to diagnose. In previous Combines, they worked against air or on bags, but last year they introduced a blocking sled with mixed results. Most struggled to push it on the indoor turf, but those with proper technique were able to shine. Keep an eye on the following traits: Can they sink their hips and drive? Do they bend at the knee or waist? Where do they place their hands in order to gain leverage?

Jackson Hawes, Georgia Tech (6-foot-4, 252) is arguably the best blocking tight end in this year’s class. Hawes’ gritty demeanor translates to him being an intense blocker on the field, but it’s his technique that elevates his blocking skills to top-of-the-class levels. He has above-average run and pass blocking skills, can relocate defensive linemen when setting up inline, and can also be put on the move, as he consistently locks onto his man in the open field. His production in the passing game is limited, but that won’t matter much for a TE3 role, as he does just enough to make teams conscious of it being an option.

Mitchell Evans, Notre Dame (6-foot-5, 256 pounds) is nearly identical in size to Brock Wright (also a Notre Dame alum) and mirrors his game some too. Like Wright, he is a balanced tight end, can be deployed in multiple tight end spots (mainly inline and in the slot), and is a willing blocker who can be counted on to convert third downs. He runs high, which can limit his ability to break tackles, but he is difficult to bring to the ground once he gets his big body moving.

Luke Lachey, Iowa (6-foot-5, 245) is not on the same level as many of the recent Iowa tight ends, but you can immediately see the traits that he has developed in the Hawkeyes’ program. As a former wide receiver, he has solid hands, and he is a willing blocker who has room to grow with more developed technique. He had ankle surgery in 2023, which may have impacted his 2024 production, but the question is one of the following: did the injury zap his potential? Or, could he be a value pick that returns to form?

CJ Dippre, Alabama (6-foot-5, 260) operated in the TE-Y role at Bama, mainly working as a blocker but also occasionally running routes and finding holes in the defense’s zones. His blocking effort is strong and he possesses the strength to make that a feature part of his game in the NFL. While he is still expanding his offensive impact, he’s a very capable special teams contributor, playing in all four phases for the Crimson Tide.

Robbie Ouzts, Alabama (6-foot-3, 272) played the TE-H role in Tuscaloosa, which included time as an inline tight end, H-back, and fullback. If you were to put on the game film of how Alabama used Ouzts and compare it to how the Lions used Shane Zylstra this past season, you’d see they were nearly identical. Capable of lining up inline on zone blocking plays or offset in the backfield as a lead blocker in gap concepts, Ouzts is prepared to play the Lions’ TE3 role on Day 1. Add in his ability to contribute in multiple phases of special teams and he’s a name to keep tabs on for Lions fans.