NFL Draft: Lions grab TJ Hockenson, another first round tight end
The Detriot Lions rolled the dice on a tight end in the NFL Draft once again, but this time they’ve found a star in Iowa-product TJ Hockenson.
The Detroit Lions have a bad rap when it comes to the NFL Draft. For whatever reason, they’ve rolled the dice and come up short, time and time again, particularly with tight ends. That might have changed this year. With the No. 8 pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, the Lions selected TJ Hockenson.
After striking out on Brandon Pettigrew in 2009 and Eric Ebron in 2014, the Lions went back to the well. This time, though, they nabbed one of the safest prospects in the 2019 NFL Draft.
Hockenson was the No. 5 overall player on Bleacher Report’s Matt Miller‘s Big Board. He regarded that highly because of his versatility. He can block for the run and for the pass and he’s a dynamic receiving threat. He caught 49 passes for 760 yards and six touchdowns in his final season at Iowa, sharing pass-catching duties with Noah Fant who could also be a first round pick in this draft.
Hockenson paired with Kenny Golladay and Marvin Jones with Kerryon Johnson in the backfield gives Detriot a complete set of offensive weapons for quarterback Matthew Stafford. It’s been some time since Stafford signed his mega deal, meaning the Lions’ franchise is in a pivotal year. They have to decide if they’re going to double down or rebuild. Hockenson will give them at least one more shot to make some noise in the NFC North.
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Fans might second guess the decision to go with a tight end this early, especially considering the Lions’ history. It’s time to forget the past and look at who Hockenson is as a pro prospect. In that context, this was an excellent selection.