T.J. Hockenson Is Poised to Make Big Jump in 2020
Tight end T.J. Hockenson is poised to make a big jump in 2020.
The Lions are counting on last year's first-round pick to rebound from an injury-riddled rookie season.
By selecting Hockenson with the No. 8 pick in the first round last year, expectations were high for his rookie campaign.
Everybody was put on notice following his first taste of NFL action.
In Week 1 against the Cardinals, Hockenson looked like the next Rob Gronkowski.
He finished his first game for Detroit with six receptions for 131 yards and a touchdown.
Unfortunately, that level of performance was not sustained.
In 2019, he recorded 32 receptions for 367 yards and two touchdowns. He earned a 60.7 PFF grade for his rookie season.
Despite his struggles, many still have very high hopes for Hockenson.
That includes George Kittle of the San Francisco 49ers.
"T.J. is a hell of player," Kittle said during a Super Bowl media session. "I remember his first summer workouts, him and Noah (Denver Broncos tight end Noah Fant) came in and it was the very first 7-on-7 drill and he completely Mossed a guy, ripped the ball right out of his hands and I was like, 'Well, good thing I'm graduating because he'll probably take my spot.'"
Kittle added, "He's incredibly gifted, and he knows that. He's got a lot of great days ahead of him. Playing tight end as a rookie is tough. I wasn't very special my rookie year. It's not just X's and O's, you have to grow up a little bit, too."
According to PFF.com:
"Hockenson has a lot to improve upon, but he showcased the skillset to be one of the best all-around tight ends in the NFL during his time at Iowa, finishing his final college season with a 90.8 receiving grade and a 74.9 run-blocking grade. Getting past the injury issues he dealt with as a rookie, Hockenson could take a big jump in a Detroit offense that should be improved with the return of Matthew Stafford in 2020."
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