Yes…. we do understand that it’s literally the first day of what is literally the first official practice. BUT…. is it ok if we’re a little excited? Yes, yes indeed.
Rookie T.J. Hockenson, who was selected with the eighth overall pick in the draft this year, has a TON of expectations to deal with. Making what sounds to have been a highlight reel catch to start the day is a great way to get the ball rolling.
As the Lions begin O vs D drills, Hockenson beats blanket cover from Tavai and a DB for a toe tapping diving catch in the back of the end zone. Brilliant way to open camp for the 8th overall pick.
— Erik Schlitt (@erikschlitt) July 25, 2019
In his two years of college football at the University of Iowa, Hockenson showed tremendous catching ability. In his freshman year, he caught 24 passes for 320 yards and three touchdowns. His sophomore year saw quite the improvement on those numbers, as he made 49 catches for 760 yards and six touchdowns. He also ran for a four yard touchdown that season, as well.
With fellow newcomers Jesse James and Isaac Nauta expected to join him on the depth chart at the tight end position, there will be a tremendous amount of expectations for the position to produce.
BONUS CONTENT: Lions rookie tight end T.J. Hockenson adjusting to life as a pro
When you are taken with the eighth overall pick in the NFL draft, there’s certainly a bit of expectation that naturally comes along with the situation. Lions rookie tight end T.J. Hockenson is no exception.
“Just the acclimation from college to pro, just those things,” Lions tight ends coach Chris White told the Detroit Free Press. “He’s going to learn a new offense that’s different. Really, all rookies just being on their own. He’s renting a house and all that stuff; getting through things that all rookies have to go through.”
The tight end position for the Lions this season will look much different than it did last year. Gone are Levine Toilolo, Michael Roberts, and Luke Willson. Here are Jesse James, Isaac Nauta, and Hockenson.
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