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TE Sean McHugh, Detroit Lions

HT: 6-5, WT: 262, Born: 5-27-1982, College: Penn State, Drafted: Round 7

2008 Projections

Best Case

Sean McHugh has primarily played at fullback, but was moved to tight end by the Detroit Lions last year. With the move to a more conservative offense, McHugh could see a more productive role in the passing game this season. He has good size, runs nice routes and knows how to get open.

Worst Case

McHugh is not likely to win the starting tight end job and may not even make the roster. Expecting him to appear on fantasy radars is optimistic thinking considering that the guy has a career best of three catches in a game. Michael Gaines was signed to a large contract in the off season and will push McHugh into the background. Gaines has experience in the all round game and is likely to take over the receiving role, relegating McHugh to that of an afterthought in the passing game.

Outlook

As is usually the case in a Mike Martz-offense the tight end is generally unproductive. Last year was no exception for McHugh, but he led the Lions' tight ends with 17 catches for 242 yards. For the 2008 season, in a new offense, the first thing McHugh has to do is win the starting role. The contract signed by Michael Gaines would indicate Gaines will be the lead guy, but McHugh could still figure in the passing game. If he does, he may eventually appear on fantasy radars but isn't even close to being a fantasy option right now.

2008 Schedule

2007 Game Summaries

Week 1 - Managing to go unnoticed in most fantasy drafts, McHugh made the most of his opportunities, posting 45 yards in the opening game, almost matching his catch total from last year, and nearly doubling his yardage total.

Week 4 - The big tight end caught his only target in the third quarter for a 23 yard gain.

Week 5 - Starting tight end Sean McHugh was held to just one reception for three yards. Playing from behind the whole game, Detroit's need to run four wide receivers kept McHugh off the playing field much of the second half.

Week 8 - McHugh had one catch for 11 yards in the game. The Lions don't throw to their tight ends much, but McHugh did have three looks in the game.

Week 9 - McHugh got behind the defense on a play action pass from the Detroit five yard line and rumbled for a 46 yard gain.

Week 12 - McHugh didn't catch either pass thrown to him. Not only that, NO tight ends for the Lions caught a pass in this game.

Week 14 - McHugh saw a lot of action in the first quarter as the Lions were content to use the short passing game to keep the Cowboys off balance. He proved to be a reliable option and was able to keep the defense from focusing on the wide outs. A big day could have been bigger as he came close to scoring on three different occasions in the first quarter. On a third down play he caught the ball and almost rolled into the end zone, but was stopped on the one. Two plays later he was targeted two consecutive times but was unable to come up with balls that were slightly off target.

Week 16 - McHugh caught the only pass thrown his way, but it was for only seven yards.

Week 17 - McHugh averaged 3.5 yards on his two receptions.