Detroit Lions: Players and mistakes to avoid in the 2019 NFL Draft
Build from the inside out
Bob Quinn seems to follow this philosophy as evidenced by his use of picks his first three drafts. All of the Detroit Lions draft picks by year can be seen here. Quinn used a total of ten picks on offensive and defensive linemen, notably, using four of his first five picks up front in 2016.
Half of the 2018 haul of talent was dedicated to both lines, as well. The Lions still have ongoing issues at edge rusher on defense and guard-tackle on offense. Meaning that until these needs are met, perimeter players like receivers and defensive backs should be put on the back burner unless there is just no good option at a certain pick.
For instance, selecting Eric Ebron over Aaron Donald, we had a significant need up front but chose a tight end whose ball skills were developing but who had plus athleticism running a 4.6 at 250 pounds. This former Hawkeye tight end would feel like déjà vu if selected in the top ten.
T.J. Hockenson
Tight End, Iowa, 6-4, 250, 4.77
49 receptions, 760 yards, 6 TD’s
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Looking at the short list of prospects we will probably choose from, T.J. Hockenson the tight end from Iowa seems like a luxury pick. He won the Mackey Award for the best college tight end and does fill a hole in the lineup. It would be easy to say that he fits the “inside-out” philosophy since tight ends often line up next to the rest of the offensive line.
Why is he probably a guy to pass on?
Hockenson is a redshirt sophomore who has prototype size and is already a pretty good blocker. As a receiver, he had a solid year catching passes. His experience is limited to two seasons where he was a primary target for just one.
Not only that, but the part of a tight end’s value as a receiver is demonstrated by their foot speed, which for Hockenson is very average at just under a 4.8 forty-yard dash. The best tight ends run close to wide receiver speed, in the 4.5-4.6 range. Combined with the needs at defensive end and the need to replace older, expensive offensive linemen, Hockenson would probably best be left for someone else who only needs a versatile tight end to finish their offense, which is not the Detroit Lions.
The caveat is that he hasn’t been to the NFL Combine, yet, and if his speed is significantly better than estimated, his stock could increase. That shouldn’t get him drafted by Bob Quinn but the GM heart wants what the GM heart wants.