Calling him a "unique, physical specimen," new Lions coach Jim Caldwell said he expects to see more from second-year tight end Joseph Fauria in 2014. Fauria made waves as a rookie last year catching seven touchdowns (including three in the same game) on just 18 catches.
"We've got the tall guy who can get down in the goal line area we can do something with, but not only that, I think you'll see Joe's going to be pretty good out in the field, too," Caldwell said from the NFL Owners Meetings. "[T]here will be some things he can do every down, there will be some things, obviously, he can do on passing downs as well. ... Do I think that he's one of those guys you can put in a bunch of point-of-attack runs and heavy run-oriented situations? I think you're misusing him in terms of his talent level. I mean the guy is athletic, he can run, he can jump, and to take him and pidgeon hole him into one area, I think, would be unfair. I do think he's talented enough to play on every down but I do also think that he's a specialized talent that you have to make certain that you put him in the best possible position in order to be successful."
Fauria will battle for playing time this summer; the team re-signed fellow tight end Brandon Pettigrew, who might end up seeing far more playing time but not necessarily as many targets.