Detroit Lions: T.J. Hockenson will surprise many this season

Most of the 2019 Detroit Lions top players don’t seem to be at risk of losing their jobs, but there are some players who have a real opportunity to make a name for themselves. Safety Tracy Walker could be one of the breakout players in the league this year while Da’Shawn Hand could double-down on a very impressive rookie campaign and Frank Ragnow has moved back to his more natural position of center and could be the key member of the Lions offensive line.

Yet one of the players I believe will outplay his expectations this season is rookie tight end T.J. Hockenson.

The Detroit Lions sent their fan base abuzz when they used their first-round selection, the eighth overall, to pick the former Iowa Hawkeye. While his production and ability was undeniable at Iowa, Lions fans had visions of Eric Ebron 2.0 running through their heads.

Now as we build steam towards the regular season, fans have come to not only appreciate the pick but for the most part, be very enthusiastic about what Hockenson has brought to the table so far as well as the possibilities moving forward.

We’ve heard over and over again that learning the playbook, blocking schemes, and holding on to passes while the best in the world are trying to separate you from your senses isn’t easy. I agree with most of that because let’s be honest; history has taught us it takes time to make a great tight end.

So while the expectations, in the long run, are very big, we have to ground ourselves and be understanding of the need for patience while he develops. It is spoon-fed to us every year that the development of young players takes time. Just accept it.

All of that being said, if we do listen to the conventional wisdom and don’t expect too much of Hockenson this year, since we should all be ready to expect plenty of bumps in the road, then basically, if Hockenson can snag 30 passes for 300 yards and four scores he will have had a solid beginning.

This is not including the contributions that Hockenson is expected to make to the ground game. Hockenson is an outstanding blocker, something he was able to demonstrate last night in Houston to go with his first reception of any kind as a Lion in a game situation. So just keeping our expectations low and manageable, as everyone continues to caution us to do, means everything will work out just fine.

To which I say, ‘I don’t think so…’