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The respect
for Lions tight end T.J. Hockenson continues to grow. Hockenson earned enough
votes from various NFL coaches, executives and players to land in the top five
in the polling compiled by ESPN.
It’s a recognition of his growth as a player from
his rookie campaign of 2019 to a Pro Bowl berth in 2020. Jeremy Fowler of ESPN
writes:
Hockenson emerged from the
cluster of young tight ends with a barrage of top-five votes. In Year 2,
Hockenson made his first Pro Bowl with 67 catches for 723 yards and six
touchdowns. He also showed the ability to separate, standing 3.28 yards from
the nearest defender when targeted.
Considering the experience and talent in the four
players above him — in order: George Kittle, Travis Kelce, Darren Waller, Mark
Andrews — it’s an
impressive showing for Hockenson. He was not even ranked a year ago.
