At tight end, with Tyler Conklin not practicing, it was UDFA rookie Miles Kitselman and converted tight end Jackson Meeks in a TE3 role.
They were still clearly behind starter Sam LaPorta and TE2 Brock Wright, but continued to rep ahead of depth players like Zach Horton and Thomas Gordon.
Erik Schlitt·
Conklin was limited in spring practices, but that was not overly surprising as this coaching staff is slow to acclimate veterans over 30 years old who are coming off injuries. He is also expected to be ready to go by training camp. While Conklin is loaded with skills and experience (127 games played, 69 starts, and 270 career receptions), he is coming off the worst season of his career (save his rookie season) during his one-year stint with the Chargers. Expectations are that Conklin will be able to return to form in a reduced TE3 role in Detroit, but if his struggles in Los Angeles linger, he’ll have to fight to keep his role. With injuries to multiple tight ends during OTAs/Minicamp, it was UDFA rookie Miles Kitselman (6-foot-5, 251 pounds) who was quickly elevated to the first-team offense. Kitselman spent the last four seasons in the SEC (two at Alabama and two at Tennessee) and brings a balanced skill set to Detroit. He has the physicality to line up inline (attached to the line of scrimmage), the range to line up in the backfield as an H-back, and excels as a run blocker. His talent and upside should allow him to challenge for a TE3 role and could force the Lions to consider keeping a fourth tight end.
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