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Dec 09, 2020 at 03:29 PM
Senior Writer
When the Lions drafted tight end T.J. Hockenson No. 8
overall in the 2019 draft, they knew there would be some growing pains as a
rookie. Playing tight end in the NFL is tough business for first-year players,
and while Hockenson showed flashes as a rookie, he needed to get more
comfortable playing in the NFL.
Now in his second season, his
production has seen a significant uptick. Hockenson currently leads all NFC
tight ends in receptions (52), yards (614), yards after the catch (288), first
downs (33), 10-plus-yard completions (28), and he's second in touchdowns (5)
and third in 25-plus-yard receptions (4). As a result, Hockenson leads the Pro
Bowl voting at tight end in the NFC.
"I think he's doing a really nice
job for us," Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford said
Wednesday of Hockenson. "He
can kind of do it all. He can block, he can run, catch and do all that sort of
stuff for us. So, his role just keeps expanding. His route tree does the
same just keeps expanding in the things that he can do. Hock's obviously a
young player, but a talented player, and he's doing a nice job."
Lions interim head coach Darrell Bevell was asked Wednesday what
he's seen as the biggest development from year one to year two with Hockenson.
"I
think that's the most important part about this thing, is he's willing to learn
the X's and O's, he's really willing to put the time in, out on the field he's
getting extra stuff with Matthew (Stafford) and the quarterbacks at
times," Bevell said.
"It's the behind the scenes things
that you don't get to see that he's doing every day. He works hard at his craft.
There is stuff you get a comfort level – remember, at the beginning of the year
he's coming off that injury; we're limiting him a little bit. So he has that
comfort level with Matthew, I think they have that good relationship where they
know what each other is getting ready to do. I think that helps as well. Right now, he's playing really
well for us."
Hockenson
will look to keep his impressive season going this week against a Green Bay
defense that hasn't allowed a 100-yard performance by any opposing tight end
this season and has only allowed three touchdowns to the position all year.
