4 options for the Detroit Lions to replace T.J. Hockenson in 2023

1. James Mitchell

The Lions drafted Mitchell in the fifth round (pick No. 177) of the 2022 draft. Now he’ll get a 10-game audition to be Hockenson’s long-term replacement, and Dan Campbell thinks he’s ready for his chance (via SI.com).

"Mitchell has, every week, gotten a little bit better,” Campbell said. “He hasn’t gotten a heavy load, but he’s gonna get more on his plate now. We think he’ll be ready for that, we think he’s gonna be ready for that. Works hard, he’s smart.”"

Mitchell made his first career catch against the Dolphins in Week 8. He has played just 21 offensive snaps in four games so far, with no more than six in a game. In Week 9 against the Packers, he might surpass that six snap total sometime in the first quarter or so.

Mitchell would have been drafted higher if not for a torn ACL early in his final season at Virginia Tech. In 2020 he was top-10 in the ACC in yards per catch (16.7), and in 2019 he averaged 17.2 yards per catch. As a testament to his athleticism, he had five rushing touchdowns over those two seasons.

The Lions liked Mitchell so much they pivoted from contacting him about possibly signing him as a UDFA to drafting him in the fifth round.

The second half, and a little more, of a lost season is the perfect time to get a long look at young players. The Lions are in that mode, again. Mitchell has an opportunity to shine, and assert himself as the Lions’ No. 1 tight end in 2023 to the exclusion of all other options.