After much anticipation and months of waiting with much uncertainty, the Lions have selected Iowa tight end T.J. Hockenson with their first-round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft.
Tight end was certainly the biggest need for the Lions and they arguably grabbed the most polished tight end in this draft class. Hockenson will instantly compete for the Lions’ No.1 tight end ahead of Jesse James, Michael Roberts, Logan Thomas, and Jerome Cunningham.
Hockenson will be able to help all avenues for the Detroit offense either be receiving, pass blocking, but more importantly run blocking. The Lions have been focusing on improving their run game, and with Hockenson they add another element that will be able to help.
Some might reminisce of pass regimes taking another tight end in the first round after the failed experiments of Eric Ebron and Brandon Pettigrew, but that didn’t deter general manager Bob Quinn pulling the trigger on Hockenson, who will bring the necessary spark to balance out the Lions’ offense in all facets.
Even though some think this might be too high for Hockenson and the fit may not be there, Quinn has repeatedly gone after players for positions of need in the first round and tight end was probably their biggest need and they got a tight end who can do it all with his athleticism, route running, and blocking ability and will make an impact day one for the Lions.
