Updated April 1, 2026, 6:54 p.m. ET
With the uncertainty of Sam LaPorta’s herniated disc injury, the Lions may be wise to spend a mid-round pick on a tight end. Max Klare out of Ohio State is an option who is projected to go in that range, but he has some health concerns.
Here is the excerpt of my medical report on Max Klare:
(Ages in parentheses are at start of 2026 season and are factored into the concern level. Injury info and ages based on available public information are unverified and subject to update. Games played data courtesy of sports-reference.com.)
Max Klare, TE (23) – Ohio State
Projected round 3-5. #96 on Jeff Risdon board Feb 19.
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Concern level 4/10
Klare has a history of a significant ankle injury with surgery that will need investigation. It’s reassuring that he has played two full seasons since the ankle surgery. The collarbone fracture in high school is not a concern.
Despite only two full seasons in college, he had very good cumulative production with 116 receptions for 1,329 yards.
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