Round 1: TE T.J. Hockenson ( Iowa ) : Pick # 8 ( 2019 )

[D6]

2019 NFL draft: Detroit Lions select Iowa TE T.J. Hockenson in first round
………………...…..

This thread relates to the following threads:

Lions have Pick # 8 in the 2019 NFL Draft

Mock Draft ( 2019 ) - DLF Members

NFL Draft Preview:Tight Ends ( 2019 )

My take on the Lions drafting T. J. Hockenson with pick # 8 is basically the same as it has been for while leading up to the draft. Based on how the first 7 selections went, I wanted the Lions to trade down if the team received a viable trade offer. If this didn't happen and assuming the Lions ruled out Montez Sweat, T.J. Hockenson was my preferred choice. With Brian Burns close.

From what I have seen so far, it looks like the Lions had opportunities to trade down. If that's the case, and if the Lions were able to get into the pick # 11 to # 15 range, it's disappointing that the Lions stayed in the # 8 spot. Brian Burns lasted to pick # 16, where Carolina took him. If the Lions would have pulled off a trade with the Falcons that would have enabled them to draft Ed Oliver with pick # 8, the Lions could have drafted Burns at # 14 and received a Day 2 pick in the draft. There's no question that it would have provided better value than staying at # 8, even with my preferred choice ( excluding Sweat ) being drafted by the Lions in that spot.

The reasons why I believe the Lions decided to stay in the # 8 spot are T.J. Hockenson has all around TE ability and potential, he has great intangibles, and the Lions want to use two TE formations often much like the Patriots did with Rob Gronkowski, and Aaron Hernandez in the early part of this decade. The Lions are definitely planning on running the ball more and having a balanced Offensive attack that compliments the Defense.

[D6]

ESPN’s Mel Kiper: T.J. Hockenson a ‘throwback’ and an athlete


………….



T.J. Hockenson combines great athletic ability, with concentration, and high level football character. As much as I wanted the Lions to trade down, the Lions added a blue chip TE prospect .

[D6]

Lions pass on Ed Oliver for T.J. Hockenson, and some fans are furious


……………

Ed Oliver is not a good scheme fit at DT and he would be a projection at ILB. I have no problem that the Lions passed on him.

D.K. Metcalf was not drafted in the entire 1st Round. He would have been a bad choice at # 8.

The Lions mistake was not trading down, assuming there was a viable trade down offer.

[D6]

T.J. Hockenson said he didn’t know Lions were taking him, but signs were always there

…………….

Bob Quinn, who is running his 4th draft for the Lions, has yet to make a trade in the 1st Round of a draft. Quinn is much more willing to trade from the 2nd Round. on.

[D6]

First-round pick T.J. Hockenson gets mixed reaction at Lions’ own draft party

………………

It's evident that Matt Patricia had tremendous influence with the Lions decision to draft T.J. Hockenson with pick # 8.

[D6]

T.J. Hockenson isn't Rob Gronkowski, but he's right for Detroit Lions

………..

The lack of maturity of Eric Ebron is one key reason why the Lions released him right before the start of the 2018 FA period. T. J. Hockenson has yet to play a down in the NFL. Yet, it's apparent he's much more mature than Ebron.

[D6]

Detroit Lions get C-minus for drafting Iowa's T.J. Hockenson. Here's why
…………………..


IMHO, the grade for the T. J. Hockenson selection should be at least as high as a C +. However, if the Lions would have traded down and ended up drafting Brian Burns, the grade would have been in the 'A' range.

[papajoe]

Definitely not the direction I wanted the Lions to go; but I’m not surprised. After the Lions failed to trade out of the #8 spot AND seeing the previous 7 picks, I was pretty sure T.J. Hockenson was going to be the pick.



Joe

[D6]

Joe, once the Raiders took Clelin Ferrell at pick # 4 and the Giants took Daniel Jones at # 6, I thought there was a very realistic chance the Lions would get one of the top 4 non QBs in this draft ( Josh Allen ) if the Jaguars didn't trade down from pick # 7. Jacksonville has major needs at RT and at TE. To the Jaguars credit, they took Josh Allen, who clearly was the best non QB remaining in the draft. Many teams would have taken short term need over value in their spot.

One thing I wonder about is whether the Lions would have taken T.J. Hockenson over Josh Allen? My guess is Allen would have been the Lions pick. Yet, I'm far from certain this would have been the case.

[D6]

Matthew Stafford already reached out to welcome T.J. Hockenson to the Lions

………………..


Great job by Matthew Stafford. The Lions are fortunate to have a QB with his ability and leadership.

[D6]

Repeat after me: T.J. Hockenson is not Eric Ebron

…………………………………………………………………………………

The Calvin Johnson / 2007 Draft comparison jumped out to me when reading the beginning of the article. Great article and job by Kyle Meinke bringing up Calvin Johnson.

[D6]

2019 NFL draft grades: Lions’ T.J. Hockenson pick ranges from 'A' to 'C'


……………………………………………………….

My take is the Lions decision to draft T.J. Hockenson with pick # 8 is being better received by fans of other NFL teams and media members that don't cover the Lions on a daily or regular basis.

Ed Oliver has much better chance reaching his potential in the Bills Defensive system that HC Sean McDermott brought to Buffalo from Carolina than he has in the Defensive system that Matt Patricia brought to Detroit from New England. Whatever positive that Oliver does in Buffalo doesn't have much relevance from a Lions perspective.

[D6]

NFL draft 2019: Take a look inside the Lions’ war room as they make the call to T.J. Hockenson

………….

Because Josh Allen wasn't expected to be available with pick # 8, it's hard to gauge what the Lions would have done if he was available.

[papajoe]

I have NO worries/concerns that T.J. Hockenson may be the next Eric Ebron; but it’s just as unfair for anyone to bring up Rob Gronkowski comparisons as well.

I don’t hate this pick; I just wish the Lions had been able to go in a different direction. However, under the circumstances...no trade down & the remaining options after the first 7 picks...this was probably the right pick.


Joe

[D6]

Joe, I completely agree with you. Very well stated.