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[tps_title]T.J. Hockenson will surpass Rob Gronkowski’s rookie season[/tps_title]
http://gty.im/1145129346
The Detroit Lions’ selected tight end T.J. Hockenson with the No. 8 pick in the 2019 NFL Draft and you can bet the pressure will be high for him to perform out of the gates. Though I do not believe Hockenson will lead the team in receptions, I do think he will surpass what Rob Gronkowski did during his rookie season when he had 42 catches for 546 yards and 10 touchdowns. The 10 TDs will be difficult but I am going with 45 catches for 565 yards and 11 TDs for Hockenson as I think he will be a great red-zone weapon for Matthew Stafford.
The Lions defense will be No. 1 in the league against the run
http://gty.im/1064367520
When the Detroit Lions traded for Damon Harrison last season, the Lions’ rush defense immediately became one of the best in the league. Now that the defense has added a few key pieces, coupled with another offseason under Matt Patricia, I believe they will be No. 1 in the NFL when it comes to shutting down the run.
Darius Slay bounces back
http://gty.im/1067887702
Despite making his second-straight Pro Bowl, Lions’ cornerback Darius Slay took a bit of a step back in 2018. I truly look for Slay to step up his game to an all-time high level in 2019 and if he does, the Lions could contend for a playoff spot. Looks for a minimum of six interceptions by Big Play in 2019 as he absolutely shuts down one side of the field.
