On most teams, second-year tight end Joseph Fauria would be tabbed as a breakout star.
Of course, he plays for a Lions team that just spent the 10th pick in the NFL Draft on tight end Eric Ebron, so he might not have as many chances.
Fauria was upbeat but realistic, knowing it’s going to be tougher to come by seven touchdowns again this year.
“I’ll always fight, no matter what,” Fauria said, via Carlos Monarrez of the Detroit Free Press. “[Matthew Stafford is] still fighting. He’s trying to get better. He’s fighting. It’s football, it’s professional football, so we’re always fighting. . . .
“When you’re in the first round, you pick the best player,” Fauria said, “and at No. 10 the Lions’ front office thought that was the best player, and he’s a heck of a teammate.”
Fauria talked about the way new offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi had made use of tight ends in the past, but the Lions are now deep at the position with Brandon Pettigrew and Ebron.
“I think it fits perfectly,” he said. “Guys in the New Orleans offense thrived in this offense, like Jimmy Graham and guys like Ben Watson. So this is tight-end friendly, tight-end pass-catchingfriendly. It gives everybody a chance to make some plays.”
Considering the Lions have some other pretty good pass-catchers outside, it’s unlikely Fauria gets as much action this year. But he’s good in the red zone, and has developed some trust with Stafford, which gives them plenty of options.