Emphasizing Run-Blocking Excellence

In his inaugural season as the Detroit Lions’ tight ends coach, Tyler Roehl is setting a clear and ambitious agenda for his players. With a rich background in pro-style offenses and a track record of enhancing run games, Roehl aims to mold his tight ends into versatile assets who excel in both receiving and blocking roles.

Roehl’s coaching philosophy places significant emphasis on the tight end’s role in the run game. Drawing from his tenure at North Dakota State, where he contributed to leading the nation in rushing touchdowns and total yards during their 2019 and 2021 national title runs, Roehl brings a wealth of experience in developing effective run-blocking strategies. At Iowa State, he further demonstrated his impact by improving the team’s rushing touchdowns from 16 in 2023 to 27 in 2024. He believes that tight ends should be integral to the ground game, not just as blockers but as dynamic contributors who can adapt to various offensive schemes.

Enhancing Receiving Capabilities

While blocking is a cornerstone of Roehl’s approach, he also recognizes the importance of tight ends as reliable targets in the passing game. He has expressed admiration for players like Sam LaPorta, noting his natural feel in the pass game. Roehl aims to develop tight ends who can create mismatches against defenses, offering quarterbacks versatile options across the field.

Cultivating Versatility and Football IQ

Roehl’s vision extends beyond physical attributes; he seeks tight ends with high football intelligence and adaptability. He values players who can understand complex playbooks, adjust to different defensive schemes, and execute plays with precision. This mental acuity allows tight ends to be effective in various roles, whether lining up on the line of scrimmage, in the backfield, or split out wide.

Fostering a Competitive and Collaborative Environment

Creating a culture of competition and collaboration is central to Roehl’s methodology. He encourages tight ends to push each other to improve while maintaining a team-first mentality. By fostering an environment where players support and challenge one another, Roehl believes the tight end unit can achieve collective and individual growth.

Integrating into the Lions’ Offensive Scheme

Understanding the broader offensive strategy is crucial for tight ends under Roehl’s guidance. He emphasizes the importance of tight ends being in sync with quarterbacks, offensive linemen, and other skill positions. This holistic approach ensures that tight ends are not only executing their assignments but also contributing to the overall fluidity and effectiveness of the offense.

Tyler Roehl’s multifaceted approach to coaching tight ends combines a strong emphasis on run-blocking, enhanced receiving skills, mental acuity, and team dynamics. His comprehensive strategy aims to develop tight ends who are not only versatile and reliable but also integral to the success of the Detroit Lions’ offense.