T.J. Hockenson was drafted eighth overall in the 2019 NFL Draft by the Detriot Lions, which was one spot before the Buffalo Bills. In his rookie season, he would have 32 receptions, 367 receiving yards, and two touchdowns and showed enough flashes that fans would be excited about his potential.
In 2020, that potential was on full display as he would nearly double his stat line and finish the year with 67 receptions, 723 receiving yards, and six receiving touchdowns. This past season, Hockenson dealt with some injuries but almost matched his 2020 totals playing in only 12 games with 61 receptions, 583 receiving yards, and four receiving touchdowns.
The Lions’ biggest question is at quarterback, and while it is a big question, they have a lot of playmakers that should help Jared Goff. Over the years they have added D’Andre Swift, Amon-Ra St. Brown, and recently Jameson Williams. However, the offense is probably still going to run through Hockenson with how good he is.
When the Buffalo Bills play the Detroit Lions on Thanksgiving, they are certainly going to have to account for this tight end which could create some challenges.