On Tuesday, the Detroit Lions signed former Michigan Wolverine standout wide receiver Devin Funchess. According to ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter, the Lions are going to be moving Funchess over to tight end. That move seems to make a lot of sense, considering his size and skill set.
Lions announced they have signed former University of Michigan wide receiver Devin Funchess and moved him to tight end. pic.twitter.com/myT2rQt3gv
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) June 14, 2022
The newest Lions receiver stands 6-foot 4-inches tall, weighing 236 pounds. It was a bit of a surprise that he was not moved to tight end when he first entered the league back in 2015. Funchess was drafted by the Carolina Panthers in the second round, pick 41 overall out of Michigan where he had a great collegiate career.
The first couple years of his career, Funchess struggled to make an impact. However, in 2017, he posted a career high 63 catches for 840 yards and eight touchdowns. Injuries and inconsistency have kept him from playing meaningful snaps since then though. He last played for the Indianapolis Colts in 2019. So, there is no guarantee he makes the final 53.
The Lions have been recognized for having one of the better off-seasons thus far. They drafted Aiden Hutchinson with the second overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. A few picks later, they landed arguably the most athletic wide receiver in the entire draft class in Jameson Williams.
Detroit moving Funchess over to tight end should help in a number of ways. He's a big body who has always been a decent blocking receiver. Now, he can be utilized to help protect Jared Goff. The Lions already have one of the best tight ends in football with T.J. Hockenson.
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