Read more on new Detroit
Lions offensive coordinator Anthony Lynn's thoughts on tight end T.J.
Hockenson.
UPDATED: JUN 4, 2021
ORIGINAL: JUN 4, 2021
Expectations
are seemingly rising by the day for Detroit Lions third-year tight end T.J.
Hockenson.
The 2019 first-round pick
of the Lions (No. 8 overall) is coming off a Pro Bowl campaign, during which he
amassed 67 receptions for 723 yards and six touchdowns in 16 games.
So, many Detroit fans and
pundits alike are expecting Hockenson to take another step forward this
upcoming season, with the thought that he's on the verge of becoming a perennial Pro Bowl
TE.
Add first-year Detroit
offensive coordinator Anthony Lynn to that ever-growing list. He told reporters
Thursday that he believes the 6-foot-5, 247-pounder "can be a matchup
nightmare" for defenders in 2021.
"I have to be honest with you. Watching the tape last year,
you know, I thought he was a good tight end. But, getting him here in person
and just being around the young man, I think the sky's the limit for him, and I think he can be a matchup
nightmare," Lynn said. "I love the way he's working right now. His
work ethic is off the charts. But, just his explosion, his route savvy, ability
to get open, read coverages, it's been really good and impressive."
© Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Hockenson, with the Lions'
receivers room not being nearly as strong as it was a year ago, has the
opportunity to emerge even further on to the scene in his junior season as a
pro.
Detroit's pass-catchers group has
since been depleted, most notably with the offseason departures of Kenny
Golladay and Marvin Jones Jr.
Subsequently, Hockenson has a
chance to be the go-to target in Lions signal-caller Jared Goff's first season
in the Motor City.
And, already working in favor of
Hockenson is the fact that he worked out with Goff earlier this offseason. The
two got together in Huntington Beach, Calif., at a well-known quarterback
training facility called 3DQB to start developing their chemistry with each
other.
It could lead to a great
connection between the new teammates.
Lynn has been pleased with what
he's seen from Detroit's new starting quarterback so far in Organized Team
Activities.
"He's doing fine. He's
learning the system. He's picking it up pretty fast, and boy, his arm strength
is really good," Lynn said. "You know, he's thrown some really
accurate balls. I thought he had his best practice yesterday (Wednesday), and
hopefully, he just continues to get better."