Lions Have Pre-Draft Visit Scheduled with TE Luke Schoonmaker

With eight total picks in this April's NFL Draft, the Detroit Lions have a great opportunity to further add talent and depth to their roster.

While you can expect the majority of those selections to be used on the defensive side of the ball, don't be surprised if Detroit general manager Brad Holmes also uses a few of the picks to upgrade the team's offense.

Holmes, in fact, could be looking to add depth along the offensive line, as well as a "skill position" player or two, including a tight end. The reason why: The Lions don't have a clear-cut No. 1 option in their tight ends room.

Sure, Brock Wright, Shane Zylstra and James Mitchell -- Detroit's present trio of tight ends -- each stepped up with quality performances after T.J. Hockenson was dealt at least year's trade deadline. However, none of the aforementioned tight ends currently on the Lions' roster will be confused for go-to options in the passing game anytime soon.

Subsequently, Holmes could be aiming to upgrade the position this April. If he waits until the third round (No. 81 overall) or trades into the fourth round to do so, Michigan's Luke Schoonmaker would be a solid target.

According to ESPN NFL reporter Jeremy Fowler, Detroit also already has a pre-draft visit scheduled with the 6-foot-5, 251-pound tight end.

Michigan TE Luke Schoonmaker has pre-draft visits with #Bills, #Broncos #Bucs #Jets and #Lions, per source. Schoonmaker a key part of a deep tight end class.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) April 10, 2023

Schoonmaker didn't put up the flashiest numbers with the Wolverines, but he certainly showcased the ability to be an effective run blocker and a reliable target in the quick passing game (i.e. off of play-action).

The Hamden, Conn., product suited up for five seasons and 43 total games (20 starts) in Ann Arbor, and finished with 54 receptions for 637 yards and seven touchdowns.

In 2022, Schoonmaker played in 12 games, and recorded a career-best 35 catches for 418 yards and three scores.

As his NFL Draft Bible profile reads, "Natural athlete that looks smooth in his movement patterns. Active lower body with fluidity that radiates from his hips to his feet. Straight line burst is evident when used as a seam buster. Stretches the field with stride length and acceleration that gets on top of defenders quick, pushing the boundary on rail routes. Excellent hand-eye coordination is utilized to catch the front side of the ball. Snags one-handed passes on overthrows without hesitation. Has suddenness in his routes that can catch linebackers off guard. Cerebral player that understands when to sit in zone coverage. Can diagnose and attack leverage appropriately in the red zone. Best work as a blocker comes when he can set an edge and work up the field. Uses timely hands and good footwork to create alleys in wide zone runs."

Schoonmaker will already be 25 years old come the start of the 2023 season, so his upside might not be the highest. However, he possesses the necessary tools to be a more than capable pass-catcher in the short-to-intermediate passing game at the next level.

To me, his pass-catching ability, along with his effectiveness in sealing the edge and opening up lanes in the run game, would make him a great value pick for Holmes & Co. on Day 3 of the draft.