Detroit Lions

Our scouting report series continues with the Detroit Lions' 2013 undrafted free agents. Next up is Joseph Fauria. TE Joseph Fauria (UCLA) - UDFA If you look at his size, athleticism and body of work at UCLA, you'd think that tight end Joseph Fauria was drafted last month. He wasn't, though, and he ended up joining the Detroit Lions after being one of their top undrafted free agent targets. Random fact Fauria began his college career at Notre Dame in 2008. A year later, in 2009, he transferred to UCLA. What the experts are saying NFL.com: The nephew of 13-year NFL tight end Christian Fauria transferred from Notre Dame back home to southern California three years ago, but finally flashed the top-100 talent everyone knew he possessed in 2011 (39 catches, 481 yards, six touchdowns) by using his height, length and unexpected foot quickness to make plays around and over the top of defenders. He further demonstrated these qualities in 2012 en route to 12 receiving touchdowns. Fauria is an impressive red-zone threat due to his height and ability to box defenders out, but he is fairly unimpressive after the catch in the middle of the field. He also has more than his fair share of struggles as a run blocker. SI.com: Joseph Fauria is not being mentioned in the same breath as some of the top TEs in this draft class, but he clearly has the tools to become a productive NFL player. While not an explosive or elusive athlete, he does display solid short area quickness and smooth, savvy route running ability, which allows him to gain separation on his breaks. Once the ball is in the air he is a nightmare for LBs and DBs to match up with, as he high-points the ball and uses his huge frame and catching radius to consistently win contested balls. He clearly has the flexibility and strength to be an effective blocker, but must be more consistent with his level of competitiveness. ESPN.com: Tall TE prospect with lean frame. Possesses long arms (33 ¾') and very big hands (10 7/8'). Has average top-end speed on tape. At pro day (3-17); ran the 40 in 4.75 seconds, had a 35 ½' vertical jump and a 10' broad jump. Stats 2010: 3 catches, 21 yards, 2 TD 2011: 39 catches, 481 yards, 6 TD 2012: 46 catches, 637 yards, 12 TD Videos More: Various Fauria highlights Fauria reception vs. USC Fauria TD reception vs. San Jose State UCLA feature on Fauria 10 questions with Fauria (9/14) 10 questions with Fauria (11/15) FOX Sports interview with Fauria Outlook for 2013 Of all the undrafted free agents, Fauria seems to have the best chance of actually making the 53-man roster. The tight end position isn't exactly settled, as there is a spot open behind Brandon Pettigrew and Tony Scheffler. The thinking is that Michael Williams will fill the third tight end spot, but he is more of a blocker. Fauria is more of a pass catcher, and his ability to be a matchup problem for opposing defenses could result in him making the team. Because of his great size and production at UCLA last season, Fauria seems like a real threat to make the team either as the Lions' fourth tight end or by pushing Scheffler off the roster. At the very least, he has a great case to make the practice squad even if he doesn't make the 53-man roster. Previous scouting reports: Draft picks: DE Ezekiel Ansah, CB Darius Slay, OG Larry Warford, DE Devin Taylor, P Sam Martin, WR Corey Fuller, RB Theo Riddick, TE Michael Williams UDFAs: QB Alex Carder, RB Steven Miller, WR Cody Wilson

ESPN NFC North analyst Kevin Seifert advises you to 'shield your eyes' from the 2011 NFL draft. He's talking about the entire NFC North, of course, but it's particularly a good idea if you're a Detroit Lions fan, we're guessing.

After a weekend covering the Lions' rookie orientation, detroitlions.com turn a turn focusing on individual player features and key position battles

Former NFL offensive lineman LeCharles Bentley trained Larry Warford before the draft, and Bentley came away really impressed with the new Detroit Lions offensive guard. Havard Rugland is planning to make another trick shot video at some point. The mother of Titus Young's son has gotten a restraining order against Young. Before he was first arrested, Young opened up about his mental issues to Stephen Tulloch. Someone show Jason Fox some love. Ha ha very funny guys.. Who switched our names again? Sorry fans, I'll get to the bottom of this twitter.com/JasonFox70/sta… — Jason Fox (@JasonFox70) May 15, 2013 Apparently Fox was Jeff Backus' "right-hand man" last season. Nate Burleson has been nominated for a Michigan Emmy for his work on WXYZ. The Lions' official site has an outstanding story on Ron Bartell. Rotoworld's Evan Silva has the Lions' offensive line ranked 26th in the NFL. Ouch. This is quite a stat: With Dallas' Doug Free taking 50% pay cut, #colts Gosder Cherilus is NFL's highest-paid RT. $7 mill per/yr. Free averaged $8 mill. — Mike Chappell (@mchappell51) May 16, 2013 NFL.com's list of the top 20 games of 2012 has contests involving the Lions ranked 15th, 13th and 11th. The top 10 will be unveiled later in the month. Calvin Johnson came in at No. 29 on Sports Illustrated's new list of the 50 highest-earning American athletes. Johnson, Ndamukong Suh and Nick Fairley made Pete Prisco's top 100 list. Rolando McClain decided to retire from the NFL this week. It turns out that the Minnesota Vikings are not making a move to sign Brian Urlacher, at least not at this time. Seattle Seahawks defensive end Bruce Irvin has been suspended for the first four games of 2013. Now we know why the Seahawks were so eager to add defensive ends in free agency. Former Lion Dan Gerberry has signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Qb- Stafford, Hill , Moore Rb- Bush, Leshoure, Bell, Riddick Wr- Johnson, Burelson, Broyles, Fuller, Durham Te- Pettigrew, Scheffler, Williams, Fauria T-Rieff,Hillard, Fox, Waddle G-Sims, Warford, Austin C- Riaola, Nagy Dt- Suh, Fairley, Mosley, 2 FA De-Ansah, Jones, Young, Lewis, Taylor Olb- Levy,Palmer,Whitehead,Hepburn Mlb-Tulloch,Lewis Cb- Houston, Bentley, Slay, Green, Greenwood S-Delmas,Quin Jr, Spievey , Neloms K- Rugland P- Martin Ls-Mulbach Spot fights - Neloms vsWelding, Austin vs Bartell ,Edward/ Thomas vs FA DT Qb- Stafford, Hill , Moore Rb- Bush, Leshoure, Bell, Riddick Wr- Johnson, Burelson, Broyles, Fuller, Durham Te- Pettigrew, Scheffler, Williams, Fauria T-Rieff,Hillard, Fox, Waddle G-Sims, Warford, Austin C- Riaola, Nagy Dt- Suh, Fairley, Mosley, 2 FA De-Ansah, Jones, Young, Lewis, Taylor Olb- Levy,Palmer,Whitehead,Hepburn Mlb-Tulloch,Lewis Cb- Houston, Bentley, Slay, Green, Greenwood S-Delmas,Quin Jr, Spievey , Neloms K- Rugland P- Martin Ls-Mulbach Spot fights - Neloms vsWelding, Austin vs Bartell ,Edward/ Thomas vs FA DT

With Matt Stafford, Suh, and Calvin's contracts taking up so much of our cap space per year, is it possible Detroit looks to trade one, or all of them? The answer is no, they mean way to much to our franchise and us fans would be angry if they were traded. However, say you could trade these players in Madden, who would you trade? It'd be a very difficult choice, but my first trade choice would be Stafford for Matt Ryan and a 3rd round pick/Center. Ryan is only a slight downgrade, but his contract is much more cap friendly and we need a replacement for Riola.. For Suh, I'd only take the 1st overall pick and grab Clowney along with a 3/4 rounder. Both once in a life time talents, but contract numbers come into play again, so Clowney would be the best choice. As far as Calvin goes, I'd only trade him for A.J Green and a solid #2 WR. Let me know what trades you'd make in the comments. With Matt Stafford, Suh, and Calvin's contracts taking up so much of our cap space per year, is it possible Detroit looks to trade one, or all of them? The answer is no, they mean way to much to our franchise and us fans would be angry if they were traded. However, say you could trade these players in Madden, who would you trade? It'd be a very difficult choice, but my first trade choice would be Stafford for Matt Ryan and a 3rd round pick/Center. Ryan is only a slight downgrade, but his contract is much more cap friendly and we need a replacement for Riola.. For Suh, I'd only take the 1st overall pick and grab Clowney along with a 3/4 rounder. Both once in a life time talents, but contract numbers come into play again, so Clowney would be the best choice. As far as Calvin goes, I'd only trade him for A.J Green and a solid #2 WR. Let me know what trades you'd make in the comments.

Scanning the Savanna searches the web for Detroit Lions content each morning and brings it to your fingertips in one easy location. Jim Washburn is already making an impact on Lions’ players Tim Twentyman – DetroitLions.com “He’s more scheme than a motivator,” said linebacker Stephen Tulloch, who spent his first five seasons in the NFL in Tennessee with Washburn. “He understands what our defense is. He understands what helps this defense. I think him and Coach (Gunther) Cunningham will definitely be on the same page and help each other when it comes to this defense.” Detroit Lions for breakfast: 2011 NFL draft class been disappointing – so far Anwar Richardson – MLive.com Well, Lions general manager Martin Mayhew’s 2011 NFL draft class might go down as the worst collection of bad decisions during his tenure. Detroit’s draft class included defensive tackle Nick Fairley (first-round), receiver Titus Young (second-round), running back Mikel Leshoure (second-round), linebacker Doug Hogue (fifth-round) and tackle Johnny Culbreath (seventh-round). Dwight Freeney agrees to two-year deal with Chargers Jarrett Bell – USA TODAY Sports Dwight Freeney’s extended search for a new job is over. The seven-time Pro Bowl defensive end agreed to a two-year contract with the San Diego Chargers on Saturday that, with incentives, could be worth $13.35 million, a person with knowledge of the situation told USA TODAY Sports. Former Lion Eric Hipple honored for advocacy Press and Guide The Mental Health Association in Michigan will host its annual tribute dinner and honor former Detroit Lions quarterback Eric Hipple on May 29 at the Troy Marriott, 200 W. Big Beaver Road. Lions’ Stephen Tulloch ‘thankful’ to be named among NFL’s top 100 Dave Birkett – Detroit Free Press On Friday, Stephen Tulloch was honored at the Gridiron Greats of Michigan Hall-of-Fame dinner as the Lions’ unsung hero. A night earlier, he was named one of the NFL’s top 100 players – No. 63, actually – in a vote of his peers conducted by NFL Network. Two much appreciated honors, with slightly different connotations, and one that left some people scratching their heads.

The Detroit Lions' 2011 draft class has compiled eight arrests, and only two players remain, after a short period of time.

If you had to pick, who's better, Michael Jordan or Kobe Bryant? Kobe will love this, but Phil Jackson, who coached both, leans toward M.J. in his book coming out Tuesday, 'Eleven Rings: The Soul of Success' (via the L.A. Times).

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