New Lions offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi says he plans to use the Saints playbook as a starting point for Detroit's new offense.
Does that mean second-year tight end Joe Fauria could play in the same kind of capacity as Jimmy Graham in New Orleans? That's what the 6-foot-7 tight end is aiming for.
"I have a similar background to (Graham) with basketball and similar height and the way we play," Fauria said. "I'm not calling myself Jimmy Graham, but I strive to have the kind of production he has. I think I can contribute very similarly to how he has with the Saints."
Fauria told his trainer he wants to fine-tune "everything" this season and has already had a number of talks with his position coach, Ron Prince, about improving everything from his skill set to his playing time.
The Lions' official team website notes that if the team doesn't re-sign Brandon Pettigrew then Fauria's chances of being a contributor go up significantly.