INDIANAPOLIS — Joe Fauria’s catch-to-touchdown ratio was 18 to 7 in his rookie season.

Not bad.

Lions general manager Martin Mayhew said on Friday that he thinks Fauria’s tight end role can be expanded under the new coaching staff.

“It’s going to be for him, learning a new offense. It’s going to be his second offense in two years. Getting into a comfort level with Matthew (Stafford). I think Matthew had a comfort level with him in the red area moreso than in the field,’’ Mayhew said at the NFL Combine.

“And then the offensive coordinator feeling comfortable to create opportunities for him to get the ball. So, it’ll be a process. He certainly has the talent level to suggest he can be more productive in the field than he has been,’’ Mayhew added.

Fauria, who is 6-foot-7 and was undrafted, has work to do on the blocking part of his game but Mayhew says he just doesn’t seem to fit on the line of scrimmage.

“I think he’s more of a move guy,’’ Mayhew said. “I think he’s genetically predisposed to not be on the line of scrimmage as much as some other guys. He’s definitely a gifted athlete, he has great hands.’’

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