Detroit Lions’ fans should remain optimistic about the future of first-round tight end T.J. Hockenson as the preseason has been an indication of his growth.
When NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announced Iowa tight end T.J. Hockenson as the Detroit Lions‘ first round selection, eighth overall, in the 2019 NFL Draft, visions of Eric Ebron rather than Rob Gronkowski flooded the minds of disgruntled fans.
Yet, there is always underlining hope that this pick could turn out the be the Hall of Fame player fans dream about. And until there is evidence to the contrary, the rookie should get the benefit of the doubt. Although, as a member of an NFL franchise that has a single playoff victory under its collective belt since Dwight D. Eisenhower was president, optimism is in short supply.
But the early signs are good. Hockenson has earned rave reviews throughout the offseason and into training camp. He seems to have a solid head on his massive 6-foot-5, 251-pound frame. And the rookie is steadily building chemistry with veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford.
The football analytics website Pro Football Focus graded Hockenson for his preseason performance so far, giving him a 67.1 overall grade. Here’s what PFF’s Mark Chichester wrote about the Lions’ top draft pick …
"“The Lions’ new tight end has had an up-and-down preseason so far, earning overall grades 64.3, 76.7 and 59.4 in his first three games as a pro. And while he was held targetless in his NFL debut in Week 1, Hockenson has hauled in 4-of-5 targets for 52 yards and two first downs over his last two weeks … he currently leads all tight ends in receiving yards after the catch (39) and yards after the catch per reception (9.8).”"
One area that Hockenson has struggled with this preseason is run-blocking, which comes as a shock as that was considered his top attribute coming out of Iowa. Still, it is early and the entire offense is still learning new offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell’s system. You have to believe the Lions’ offense will continue to work out the kinks. And, as a result, we should see better performances from the first-year tight end.
The preseason is a perfect indication of that growth for Hockenson. In his debut against the New England Patriots, the 22-year old wasn’t even targeted. In his second preseason matchup versus the Houston Texans, Hockenson started the game and recorded one catch for 22 yards off two targets.
Finally, against the Buffalo Bills last week, Hockenson was targeted four times, bringing three receptions for an impressive 52-yards. Now we’ll get to see if the rookie can build on that positive momentum when the games actually count.
For more grades, advanced statistics and more at Pro Football Focus, subscribe to PFF’s EDGE or ELITE subscriptions at ProFootballFocus.com.