**HIDDEN GEM IN THE TIGHT END ROOM: Why Kenny Yeboah Might Be the Overlooked Front-Runner to Lock Down the Lions’ TE3 Spot in 2025**
The Detroit Lions’ tight end room has been a topic of intrigue and speculation heading into the 2025 season. With established names like Sam LaPorta and Brock Wright commanding most of the attention, the battle for the TE3 spot has flown under the radar. However, one name quietly making a case for himself is Kenny Yeboah—a player whose potential has been simmering beneath the surface, waiting for the right opportunity to break out. While many assume the Lions will look to the draft or free agency to fill the role, Yeboah’s unique skill set, underrated athleticism, and growth in the system could make him the unexpected front-runner for the job.
Kenny Yeboah’s path to the NFL hasn’t been conventional. After a standout career at Temple and a productive graduate transfer season at Ole Miss, where he averaged 19.4 yards per reception in 2020, he went undrafted but landed with the New York Jets as a priority free agent. Though his opportunities were limited early on, his raw tools were evident—size (6’4”, 250 lbs), speed (4.59 40-yard dash), and reliable hands made him an intriguing developmental prospect.
When the Lions claimed him off waivers in 2022, it was a low-risk move that could pay dividends. Detroit’s coaching staff, particularly tight ends coach Steve Heiden, has a reputation for maximizing talent at the position (see: the rapid emergence of Sam LaPorta). Yeboah has spent the past two seasons refining his game behind the scenes, and while his regular-season snaps have been sparse, his preseason performances have offered glimpses of what he could bring to the offense.
The assumption that the Lions will prioritize a rookie or a veteran free agent for the TE3 role isn’t unfounded—depth is always a priority. However, Yeboah presents several advantages that could make him the smarter choice.
1. **Familiarity with the System** – The Lions’ offense under Ben Johnson is complex, requiring tight ends to be versatile as blockers, route-runners, and occasional motion pieces. Yeboah has had two full years to absorb the playbook, making him a more reliable option than a rookie who would need time to adjust.
2. **Athletic Upside** – While Brock Wright is a steady blocker and reliable short-yardage target, Yeboah brings a different dimension with his downfield speed and contested-catch ability. His college tape showed a player comfortable stretching the seam, a trait the Lions could exploit in play-action situations where LaPorta draws most of the attention.
3. **Special Teams Value** – The TE3 spot often goes to a player who can contribute on special teams, and Yeboah has the size and athleticism to be an asset in coverage units. His experience in this phase of the game gives him an edge over a developmental rookie who may not be as polished.
4. **Cost-Effective Depth** – With LaPorta likely due for a big extension soon and Wright also in the mix, the Lions may prefer to save cap space by rolling with Yeboah rather than signing a veteran or using a draft pick on the position.
Though preseason stats should always be taken with a grain of salt, Yeboah’s flashes in exhibition games have been noteworthy. In the 2023 preseason, he hauled in a 24-yard touchdown against the Jaguars, showcasing his ability to separate and finish in the red zone. His 2024 preseason was quieter, but his blocking showed noticeable improvement—a key factor in earning Dan Campbell’s trust.
Campbell has repeatedly emphasized the importance of “grit” and versatility in his tight ends, and Yeboah fits that mold. He may not be a household name, but his willingness to do the dirty work while still posing a receiving threat makes him an ideal depth piece in this offense.
Detroit’s offense thrives on multiplicity. LaPorta is the star, but having a TE3 who can keep defenses honest is crucial. Yeboah’s ability to line up in-line, in the slot, or even out wide gives Johnson flexibility in play design. If defenses key in on LaPorta and Amon-Ra St. Brown, Yeboah could be the beneficiary of mismatches against linebackers or safeties in play-action shots.
Additionally, the Lions love using multiple tight end sets, particularly in the red zone. While Wright is the more traditional blocker, Yeboah offers a better blend of size and receiving chops, making him a sneaky weapon in scoring situations.
The lack of buzz around Yeboah isn’t surprising. He’s never had a regular-season breakout moment, and the Lions’ tight end room is crowded. However, his trajectory mirrors that of many late-blooming tight ends who needed time to refine their craft before earning meaningful snaps.
If Yeboah can carry over his preseason flashes into training camp, he could easily surpass a mid-round rookie or a journeyman free agent. The Lions don’t need a superstar at TE3—they need a reliable, scheme-versatile player who can step in when called upon. Yeboah checks those boxes.
While the Lions could still add competition, betting against Yeboah securing the TE3 job would be a mistake. His combination of athleticism, system familiarity, and underrated receiving skills makes him the ideal dark horse candidate. In an offense that values tight ends as much as Detroit’s does, Yeboah might just be the hidden gem ready to shine in 2025.
The spotlight may be on LaPorta and Wright, but don’t be surprised if Kenny Yeboah quietly locks down the TE3 role and becomes a sneaky contributor in the Lions’ quest for a Super Bowl.
