2019 NFL Draft: Final complete 7-round mock draft as Kyler Murray still goes No. 1

By Randy Gurzi | Apr 22, 2019

MIAMI, FL - DECEMBER 29: Kyler Murray #1 of the Oklahoma Sooners looks on prior to the game against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Capital One Orange Bowl at Hard Rock Stadium on December 29, 2018 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

9 of 64

IOWA CITY, IOWA- NOVEMBER 04: Tight end T.J. Hockenson #38 of the Iowa Hawkeyes celebrates a touchdown during the third quarter against the Ohio State Buckeyes on November 04, 2017 at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. (Photo by Matthew Holst/Getty Images) /

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

There’s a debate among some about which tight end should come off the board first in the 2019 NFL Draft — and the top two names dropped belong to T.J. Hockenson and Noah Fant who were teammates at Iowa. Fant had the bigger name in college, especially in the passing game but Hockenson really closed the gap this past year.

As a redshirt sophomore, Hockenson ended up with 760 yards and six touchdowns but what was most impressive was his 15.5 yards per reception. This is in addition to his work as a blocker — which is where he really excels as a player.

In need of a tight end, the Detroit Lions will surely consider both Fant and Hockenson at this point. The tie-breaker here is the way Hockenson can excel as an in-line blocker. Head coach Matt Patricia is an old-school guy and that will surely sway him in his decision.

Patricia already proved once how he values the position as he reportedly tried to trade for Rob Gronkowski from his old team in New England. While the rookie from Iowa isn’t near the caliber that Gronk was, he does offer more balance as a player which is what made Gronkowski the best to ever play his position. Patricia’s desire to get the all-around player at this position works out very well for the redshirt sophomore.

Home/NFL Draft