#1 – Breakout season for key player
In the 2019 draft, the Lions spent their first round selection (8th overall) on Hockenson. Many fans weren’t ecstatic with the pick as they were hoping that they would draft a defensive player, specifically an edge rusher, since the defense and defensive line struggled during the 2018 season.
In Week 1 of last season, Hockenson quieted the pundits as he put up a six catch, 131-yard performance along with a touchdown. Getting 131 reception yards was the most for a tight end in their NFL debut.
After that, his performance trended downwards as he wasn’t able to replicate those kind of stats and he also suffered an ankle injury in which the Lions shut him down for the remainder of the season upon when he got hurt.
After all was said and done in his rookie year, he finished the 2019 season appearing in 12 games with 32 catches, 367 yards and only two touchdowns.
2020 will be the year that Hockenson has a breakout season and entrench himself among the better tight ends in the game. He’ll double the amount of reception yards he had from last season and will get way more than two touchdowns. This being said, he will be a key weapon and a true pass catching option for Stafford and the Lions offense.
Against the Bears on Sunday, Hockenson racked up five receptions for 56 yards and a touchdown on his six targets. That’s a great start.
With a strong and consistent season, Hockenson will prove that the Lions made the right pick when they selected him in the first round. All he’s gotta do is stay healthy and on the field and that will quiet the haters who believe the Lions made the wrong pick by drafting him.