The future is bright for the Detroit Lions. The team's newest weapon, tight end T.J. Hockenson, is already connecting with long-time quarterback Mathew Stafford. Early in the second quarter of the Lions' third preseason bout, against the Buffalo Bills, Stafford found Hockenson in the middle of the field. The tight end then turned a first-down into a 31-yard reception to get near the 20-yard line.
The Stafford ➡️ Hockenson connection is on the rise#BUFvsDET
(via @Lions)
— PFF (@PFF) August 24, 2019
It appears as if Stafford is going to enjoy Hockenson; the No. 8 overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft.
Hailing from Iowa, Hockenson is considered to be one of the most pro-ready tight ends ever to enter an NFL draft pool. The former Hawkeye earned praise for his outstanding blocking in college, and a receiving skill set that will translate to NFL success. NFL.com's resident scout Lance Zierlein compares him favorably to Travis Kelce; who, at this point, is one of the NFL's game-breaking tight ends.
Hockenson was a star at Iowa, alongside fellow first-round pick tight end Noah Fant. In two years of play, the Chariton, Iowa native amassed 78 receptions for 1,080 yards and nine touchdowns. In 2018, he recorded 49 receptions for 760 yards and six touchdowns. His outstanding year earned him the John Mackey Award (given to college football's best tight end), Ozzie Newsome Award (the same), a first-team All-Big 10 nod, and the Kwalick-Clarke Tight End of the Year.
The Lions have high hopes for their new tight end, and that's entirely justifiable considering his resume. It appears as if that Hockenson will do just fine in Detroit.
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