2019 NFL Draft: Matching top prospects with Marvel’s Avengers
By Ryan Roberts
The 2019 NFL Draft and Avengers: Endgame both beginning on Thursday, April 25, it’s only natural to match prospects with their superhero counterparts.
The 2019 NFL Draft and the premiere of Avengers: Endgame will take place on the same day. In both the film and the draft, there is one goal in mind for the assembled: Taking down the one in power.
Six rings, Infinity Gauntlet, incredible power, iconic villain, manipulator, Tom Brady, Thanos…Come on, this stuff writes itself. During their individual reigns, both Brady and Thanos have ignored the code of conduct for what is expected of a ruler in their respective positions. In their self-entitled quests, many have fallen to the wayside in favor of six symbols of absolute power.
After so many have been defeated in their tenures, Endgame represents the point of no return. History will be decided. The battle is underway against Thanos. A team has been assembled, so now it’s time to assemble my own personal Avengers team to take down the great Tom Brady.
Enter the 2019 NFL Draft class with the latest hopes to end the dominant reign of the New England Patriots over the last 15 years or so. Who’s on the team? Let’s go for a ride, folks.
Captain America: T.J. Hockenson, TE, Iowa
Dubbed as the “Original Avenger”, Steve Rogers has become arguably the most beloved member of the band of misfit heroes. Being created in a lab, Captain America has seemingly no physical limitations to his character post-serum. He boasts a throwback style (partly due to his age: now over 100 years old) that mirrors his experiences from serving during World War II, and now saving Earth from impending doom on a pretty regular basis.
As I recruit the perfect team to take down Tom “Thanos” Brady, my Captain America must mirror the character and physical profile of one of the most important characters to the current Avengers arc.
Enter perhaps the most complete prospect in the entire 2019 NFL Draft, Iowa tight end T.J. Hockenson. Following a dominant redshirt sophomore All-American season, Hockenson has continued to check boxes throughout this draft season. Perhaps the cleanest tape I have broken down this offseason, weaknesses are not easily deciphered in his game. Stand tall, grab that shield and prepare for battle Mr. Hockenson. Make Captain America proud.