The Detroit Lions currently have five tight ends on their active roster in T.J. Hockenson, Jesse James, Isaac Nauta, Hunter Bryant and Matt Sokol. Last year, the Lions kept just three tight ends when establishing their 53-man roster. But it’s possible that the Lions could keep four this year, especially if Hunter Bryant—one of the biggest UDFA targets in the entire draft—can make an impact during training camp.
If the Lions do decide to keep four tight ends this year, then I think it means that someone like Nick Bawden fails to make the roster and perhaps Nauta takes his place as an H-back.