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After taking Eric Ebron with a first-round pick and then dealing him after a middling career in Detroit, the Lions could use some new help at tight end. According to draft analyst Mel Kiper, there is one waiting for them in the 2019 NFL Draft.
Speaking to Detroit media on a national conference call this week via the Detroit Lions' official website, ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper was asked about his latest mock draft, which had the Lions taking Iowa tight end T.J. Hockenson with the No. 8 overall pick in the draft.
When asked about the tight end and how he compares to someone like Ebron, Kiper was quick to note Hockenson’s elite skills, which are in the blocking game.
Article Continues Below“He’s a blocker, I think that’s the thing,” Kiper said. “He will block in-line and help that running game. He’s a complete tight end. He’s not just a great athlete who will catch the ball. He’ll do that, because he is a gifted athlete, but he’ll also block, he’s consistent. He’s a quarterback’s best friend. That’s what he was at Iowa this year.”
“He’s kind of a throwback, but has the skills to fit in very well with today’s NFL. I think he’s going to be one of those that’s going to skyrocket. He’s a multidimensional tight end. He can do everything you want. He’d be a great asset, I think, for Matthew Stafford in that offense.”
While the Lions could use a high-profile tight end to compliment their receiving group and Matthew Stafford, fans are right to be a bit hesitant.
It wasn’t too long ago that they took Eric Ebron with the 10th overall pick in the draft, and while he did have a Pro Bowl season this year, it wasn’t with the Lions.
Still, Hockenson seems to be the premier tight end in this draft class, and any team will likely be lucky to add him to their roster.
