2019 NFL Mock Draft: Post-free agency first wave three-round projection

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – MARCH 02: Tight end T.J. Hockenson of Iowa works out during day three of the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 2, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

8. Detroit Lions: T.J. Hockenson, TE, Iowa

The Detroit Lions set themselves up to go after a tight end in this draft and that’s exactly what they do. With needs at wide receiver and edge rusher pressing, the Lions went out and signed Danny Amendola and Trey Flowers as soon as free agency kicked off — actually, it happened even before then as the “legal tampering period” was when they agreed to terms with their guys.

Making these moves looks great on paper but it’s concerning, to say the least. Matt Patricia is going out and trying to add former Patriots in an attempt to duplicate the success he had as an assistant with New England. How those pan out has yet to be decided, but it did fill some needs, which brings us back to the tight end position — which did get a bump with Jesse James, but they could still look for an upgrade there as well.

With their pick, the Lions take Iowa’s T.J. Hockenson, which may seem like a bit of a reach here. Hockenson originally looked like a day two pick and was seen as the lesser player to fellow Hawkeye Noah Fant. While Fant is more athletic, the fact is Hockenson is the better all-around player.

In the end, that’s what Patricia and the Lions fall in love with. They aim to be a stronger offense and Hockenson brings that to the table. Having said that, he’s still no slouch in the passing game as Hockenson averaged 15.5 yards per reception last season and added six touchdowns in his redshirt sophomore season.

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