From time to time, professional sports franchises used a high draft pick to select a player they hope will help lead their team to a championship but then end up giving up on them too early, only to see them flourish after they leave town.
In a piece published on Bleacher Report, Ben Sobleski took a look at one player that each NFL team gave up on too soon and for the Lions, he listed TE Eric Ebron.
Here is Sobleski’s rationale:
Eric Ebron remains a work in progress. He’s showed the potential to be an elite tight end, just not with the Detroit Lions.
The organization decided to the release the 2014 10th overall pick prior to the 2018 campaign. Ebron spent four seasons with the team, but the inconsistency within his game could be maddening.
Detroit’s first-round investment in Ebron skewed the perception of him. He never lived up to expectations until he played for another franchise.
In his first season with the Indianapolis Colts, Ebron became a force, leading all tight ends with 13 touchdown receptions. He didn’t perform as well in his second season in Indy because of a couple of factors outside of his control—mainly, Andrew Luck’s retirement and a healthy Jack Doyle in the lineup.
Ebron will have a chance to repeat his previous success after signing with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Nation, what do you think? Did the Lions give up on Ebron too early?
