Jahlani Tavai Scouting Reports and Articles

Scouting Reports:

Hawaii Profile:  https://hawaiiathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=17499

CBS:  https://www.cbssports.com/collegefootball/players/playerpage/2139903/jahlani-tavai

NFL.com:  https://www.nfl.com/prospects/jahlani-tavai?id=32195441-5638-0238-d6cc-25aa17b18c0d

Draftwire:  https://draftwire.usatoday.com/2019/02/22/jahlani-tavai-nfl-draft-profile/

Draft Analyst:  http://draftanalyst.com/jahlani-tavai

NFL draft profile: Jahlani Tavai - ESPN Video:  http://www.espn.com/video/clip?id=26598689

Rankings:

Overall (1768/13) 136:

Jeff Risdon (52. Jahlani Tavai, LB, Hawaii: Underexposed thumper at ILB with decent range. He’s the kind of 3-4 ILB Bill Parcells would love in his defense.):  https://football.realgm.com/analysis/3146/The-2019-NFL-Draft-Big-Board

Thor's Big Board (67. Tavai):  https://www.rotoworld.com/article/rankings/thor-500-nystroms-big-board?page=0

Draftcountdown (89. Tavai):  http://www.draftcountdown.com/2019-nfl-draft/2019-top-overall-rankings/

Josh Norris (91. Tavai):  https://www.rotoworld.com/article/nfl-draft-preview/norris-2019-nfl-draft-big-board

Dan Jeremiah (96. Jahlani Tavai):   http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001027342/article/daniel-jeremiahs-top-100-prospects-for-2019-nfl-draft

Gil Brandts Top 150 (99. Tavai):  http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001026449/article/hot-150-gil-brandts-top-prospects-for-2019-nfl-draft-51100

Draftwire (119.  Tavani):  https://draftwire.usatoday.com/2019/04/22/2019-nfl-draft-rankings-top-300-big-board-kyler-murray-quinnen-williams-nick-bosa-ed-oliver/

Draft Tek (123. Tavai):   https://www.drafttek.com/Top-100-NFL-Draft-Prospects-2019-Page-2.asp

CBS Chris Trapasso (172. Tavai:  Tavai's an imposing thumper with good range. He can give you some edge-rushing help on occasion too.):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/nfl-draft-2019-prospect-rankings-my-final-top-200-big-board-with-no-quarterbacks-in-the-top-15/

2019  SI NFL Draft Rankings (174. Tavai):  https://www.si.com/nfl/2019/04/22/draft-position-rankings-linebackers-devin-white-devin-bush-mack-wilson

CBS (195. Jahlani Tavai:  Big, imposing off-ball linebacker with above-average twitch for someone his size. Played and has ability on the edge with an impressive outside speed rush an a small assortment of pass-rushing moves. Sideline to sideline range good, not great. Same goes for his block-shedding skills. Old-school linebacker with some new-school traits. -- CT):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/prospect-rankings/2018/

PFF 250 (237. LB JAHLANI TAVAI, HAWAII
Hawaii’s Tavai only played 473 defensive snaps in 2018, but he still logged an impressive 23 defensive stops in the run game and earned a 76.5 run-defense grade, to boot.):  https://www.profootballfocus.com/news/draft-pffs-top-250-big-board-for-the-2019-nfl-draft

Draft Scout (254. Tavai):  http://www.draftscout.com/overall.php?DraftYear=2019&TopRated=1&sortby=RateAll&order=ASC&startspot=250

Position (72/8) 9:

Draftcountdown (4. Tavai):  http://www.draftcountdown.com/2019-nfl-draft/inside-linebacker-rankings/

Nystrom (5. Tavai):  https://www.rotoworld.com/article/evaluations/nystrom-final-position-rankings?page=2

Thor's LB Rankings (5. Jahlani Tavai (Comp: Vontaze Burfict (Matt Miller)) - Did not test at the NFL Scouting Combine - A rugby star at Mira Costa High in California, Tavai received only a modicum of recruiting interest in football. Rivals graded him as a two-star recruit in the 2014 class. USC kicked the tires -- specifically Ed Orgeron, a vaunted recruiter now running the LSU program — but didn't pull the trigger on a scholarship offer.   So Tavai moved to Honolulu, not the worst of consolation prizes. Tavai redshirted, and then recorded 56 tackles as a second-year freshman. He went on to collect 252 tackles (30.5 TFL) between 2016-2017 while shifting between all three linebacker spots.  This was borderline heroic work. The Rainbow Warriors had one of the worst defenses in the FBS during Tavai’s stay and, incredibly, cycled through six defensive coordinators during Tavai’s stay on the Islands. Cashman persevered through poor coaching, Tavai persevered through worse coaching.  Less heroic was Tavai's barroom fight stunt last summer that got him arrested and suspended for the opener. And then a season-ending shoulder injury cut his year short at eight games. Tavai missed the pre-draft process while rehabbing.  But barring clearance on his background check and medicals, I saw enough on the field to grade him as a late Day 2 prospect. Tavai plays so hard, and he’s got a sonar radar for movement and flow that reroutes him while picking through traffic. It sharpens his chase angles like a knife. Tavai is not “twitchy,” but he gets there fast enough and brings hurricane force explosion on impact. Sometimes to a fault. Tavai loves to launch at ball-carriers. And in short, that’s how you shake him: Allow him to overplay his hand and then run the hell away before he can get back up. You can also slop him. In traffic, sometimes Tavai gets lost in a maze.   For the next level, assuming he can recover from his shoulder injury, Tavai’s versatility makes for a real plus. As does his tone-setting play style. Just please let him land in a stable situation. He needs to develop under one defensive coordinator, in one system.  Going through six at Hawaii and getting shuffled this way and that to best cover for his overmatched teammates did a disservice to Tavai’s development. And yet he still found ways to succeed. I like me a passionate self-starter, and that’s Tavai.):  https://www.rotoworld.com/article/evaluations/nfl-draft-lb-rankings

Draft Tek (8. Tavai):  https://www.drafttek.com/2019-NFL-Draft-Prospect-Rankings/Top-College-ILBs-2019-Draft.asp

Draftwire (8. Tavai):  https://draftwire.usatoday.com/gallery/2019-nfl-draft-rankings-linebacker-devin-white-devin-bush-mack-wilson/

Draft Scout (12. Tavai):  http://www.draftscout.com/players.php?GenPos=ILB&DraftYear=2019&sortorder=TSXPos&order=ASC

2019  SI NFL Draft LB Rankings (13.  Tavai):  https://www.si.com/nfl/2019/04/22/draft-position-rankings-linebackers-devin-white-devin-bush-mack-wilson

CBS (17. Jahlani Tavai):   https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/prospect-rankings/2018/

Articles:

Serritella: 2019 NFL Draft Primer – LBs (Top 5 LBs:  Jahlani Tavai, Hawaii – A four-year starter with legitimate NFL size, athleticism and production, Tavai is quick to read and react, showing good key and diagnosis skills to step up and take on hard-charging blockers in the hole. He’s expected to become the first Rainbow Warriors defender to be drafted since the then-St. Louis Rams took a seventh round flyer on Aaron Brown in 2012.) (4-22-19):  https://footballmaven.io/nfldraftscout/news/serritella-2019-nfl-draft-primer-lbs-Ts1OB6Q4AkaYdc9CBbRfBA/

O'HARA'S 2019 DRAFT PREVIEW: Linebackers (One to watch: Jahlani Tavai, Hawaii. 6-2, 259.  Profile: Spent five years at Hawaii (who wouldn’t want an extra year in the Islands?) after a red-shirt 2014. A shoulder injury that required surgery forced him to miss the last four games in 2018. He did not run drills at the Combine or Pro Day, doing only some positional drills at the latter.  He put up big numbers his last three seasons: 34 games, 335 tackles, 36 for loss and 14.5 sacks. The shoulder injury could drop his stock -- and give some team a bargain.) (4-11-19):  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/o-hara-s-2019-draft-preview-linebackers

100% - Tavai has been my favorite "sleeper" since the fall. Top-5 LB in this class and could easily be a top-60 draft pick. Three-down, inside-out versatility. Modern day LB. (4-10-19):  https://mobile.twitter.com/dpbrugler/status/1116028151119921153

Here’s a name rarely seen on draft Twitter that you’ll mostly likely hear on Day 2...
@HawaiiFootball LB Jahlani Tavai.  He was a favorite of the seniorbowl before a shoulder injury kept him from participating.  Many NFL teams are secretly hoping Tavai falls to them in 3rd round. (4-9-19):  https://mobile.twitter.com/JimNagy_SB/status/1115658694002446338

Hawaii LB Jahlani Tavai visited Rams on Monday (4-9-19):  https://theramswire.usatoday.com/2019/04/09/nfl-draft-rams-jahlani-tavai-hawaii-linebacker/

Seahawks worked out Hawaii linebacker Jahlani Tavai (4-8-19):  https://seahawkswire.usatoday.com/2019/04/08/seahawks-worked-out-hawaii-linebacker-jahlani-tavai/

ALL-UNDERRATED NFL DRAFT TEAM (Linebacker: Jahlani Tavai (Hawaii):  We don’t blame you if you’ve forgotten about Tavai by degrees during the evaluating season. He has basically been an absentee for the entirety of the process. Shoulder surgery from October is the culprit. No postseason bowl showings, no combine, no testing. So what do we have to go on? We’ll cradle the tape and the production on this one. Tavai plays not like the field is lava, but as though he himself is molten rock, flowing to the tackle while incinerating anything that gets in his way. His film is as active as all get-all and he posted 120-plus tackles in each of the 2016 and 2017 seasons. We just wish we had a few athletic tests to help back up the eye test.) (4-2-19):   https://www.rotoworld.com/article/stock-stock-down/all-underrated-nfl-draft-team?page=1

Hawaii's Jahlani Tavai could be a late-round gem of a linebacker (3-25-19):  https://www.bigblueview.com/2019/3/25/18281169/2019-nfl-draft-prospect-profile-jahlani-tavai-lb-hawaii-scouting-report-ny-giants-news

Waldner: Jahlani Tavai showcasing his Warrior skills for the NFL (3-23-19):  https://www.dailybreeze.com/2019/03/23/waldner-jahlani-tavai-showcasing-his-warrior-skills-for-the-nfl/

Ursua impresses at 2019 Hawaii Football Pro Day before all 32 NFL Teams (Perhaps the player garnering the most attention was linebacker Jahlani Tavai. The former all-conference standout missed the end of his senior season with a shoulder injury that required surgery.  Due to the quick turnaround from being cleared to workout, Tavai did not take official measurements but did take part in positional on-field workouts and participated in interviews.  Both Ursua and Tavai have on-location visits with teams and will have personal workouts with select franchises.) (3-20-19):  https://www.khon2.com/sports/local-sports/ursua-impresses-at-2019-hawaii-football-pro-day-before-all-32-nfl-teams/1861931224

Ursua, Tavai headline Hawaii football's Pro Day at UCLA (3-19-19):   http://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/2019/03/20/ursua-tavai-headline-hawaii-footballs-pro-day-ucla/

Hawaii LB Jahlani Tavai will not work out at the combine or pro day as he recovers from shoulder surgery, source said. The plan is for him to hold a personal workout in April. A tackle machine in college. (2-27-19):  https://mobile.twitter.com/TomPelissero/status/1100885471998169088

Fran Duffy's Combine Preview: Linebacker (Small-School Standout (This is the player who comes from a lower level of competition (outside of the Power 5 conferences) but still has a very bright future in the NFL.) -  Jahlani Tavai, Hawaii:  A productive four-year starter for the Rainbow Warriors, Jahlani Tavai comes from a football family as he’s one of a handful of brothers who is playing or has played Division I football. Tavai has been a consistent producer during his time on campus. Tavai adjusted to a new scheme this year and lined up in several spots, including off the edge, stacked as a middle linebacker, and out in space over the slot. An athletic kid with an extremely high motor and a mean streak to match, Tavai is truly one of the sleepers of the draft at this point. He is a player who will likely be viewed as a "late riser" throughout the process. I have to credit NFL Draft analyst Dane Brugler of The Athletic, who has been pounding the table for this kid since the summer.) (2-20-19):  https://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/news/fran-duffy-combine-preview-linebacker

Hawaii Bowl prospect preview: Louisiana Tech vs Hawaii (Jahlani Tavai, LB, Hawaii, 6-3, 245:  Tavai is a favorite of the Athletic’s Dan Burgler who called him “one of the better kept secrets in the 2019 NFL Draft” in his most recent mock draft where he projected him to go late round two.  “Tavai has a legitimate chance to be the first senior linebacker drafted,” said Brugler. “Well-built at 6-3 and 235 pounds, he has outstanding range and moves clean when asked to drop in coverage. Against the run, Tavai is physical at the point of attack to detach from blocks and find the football. Medicals will be important after a late-season shoulder injury.”  If the Lions target him on day two of the draft, he would slot in as competition at the WILL linebacker spot.) (12-22-19):  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2018/12/22/hawaii-bowl-prospect-preview-louisiana-tech-vs-hawaii/

Hawaii’s Tavai out for season and will have shoulder surgery (11-6-18):  https://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/2018/11/05/hawaiis-tavai-out-season/

Tavai named Senior Bowl Defensive Player of the Week (9-23-18):  http://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/story/39122453/tavai-named-senior-bowl-defensive-player-of-the-week/

2 Rainbow Warriors arrested after Honolulu nightclub altercation (6-10-18):  http://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/story/38391274/2-rainbow-warriors-arrested-for-assault-after-honolulu-nightclub-altercation/

Morning Lions Links for Tuesday 4-30-19

Articles:

How Tavai fits linebacker mold the Lions are looking for:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/how-tavai-fits-the-linebacker-mold-the-lions-are-looking-for

O'HARA: What we learned from the 2019 NFL Draft:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/o-hara-what-we-learned-from-the-2019-nfl-draft

A film review of each pick in the Detroit Lions' 2019 NFL Draft class:  https://www.mlive.com/expo/sports/g66l-2019/04/df059233b6713/a-pickbypick-review-of-the-detroit-lions-2019-nfl-draft.html

Detroit Lions pick up fifth-year option on Taylor Decker’s contract:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2019/04/detroit-lions-pick-up-fifth-year-option-on-taylor-deckers-contract.html

NFL Draft 2019 rewind: What you need to know about the Detroit Lions haul:  https://www.mlive.com/expo/sports/g66l-2019/04/7835435cd15932/nfl-draft-2019-rewind-what-you-need-to-know-about-the-detroit-lions-haul.html

Lions TE T.J. Hockenson listed among favorites to win rookie of year:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2019/04/lions-te-tj-hockenson-listed-among-favorites-to-win-rookie-of-year.html

Lions fourth-rounder Austin Bryant is tougher than you:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2019/04/lions-fourth-rounder-austin-bryant-is-tougher-than-you.html

4 Lions players on the hot seat after NFL draft:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2019/04/4-lions-players-on-the-hot-seat-after-nfl-draft.html

Projecting the Detroit Lions' new depth chart following 2019 NFL draft:  https://www.mlive.com/expo/sports/g66l-2019/04/3d18a128fb9356/projecting-the-detroit-lions-new-depth-chart-following-2019-nfl-draft.html

One Hockenson play shows what he can bring to Lions:  https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2019/04/29/detroit-lions-tj-hockenson-iowa-nfl-draft/3618462002/

McShay: T.J. Hockenson has 'different level of potential,' was best Lions pick:  https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2019/04/29/todd-mcshay-t-j-hockenson-has-different-level-potential-best-detroit-lions-pick/3615938002/

Lions' sixth-round pick Fulgham takes unique path to NFL:  https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2019/04/29/detroit-lions-draft-pick-travis-fulgham-takes-unique-path-nfl/3616857002/

Lions’ Super Bowl odds improve after NFL Draft:  https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2019/04/29/detroit-lions-super-bowl-odds-improve-after-nfl-draft/3617772002/

Majority of Lions draft picks had one thing in common:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2019/04/28/detroit-lions-draft-class-senior-bowl/

Bob Quinn, Lions ready to explore the veteran free agent market again:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2019/04/29/bob-quinn-lions-nfl-free-agent-market/

Lions 6th round pick Travis Fulgham grew up all around the world:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2019/04/28/lions-6th-round-pick-travis-fulgham-grew-up-all-around-the-world/

Detroit Lions fans must give T.J. Hockenson a fair chance:  https://247sports.com/nfl/detroit-lions/Article/TJ-Hockenson-Lions-draft-pick-fans-patience-131635859/

Analyst: Detroit Lions may land Hall of Famer in T.J. Hockenson:  https://247sports.com/nfl/detroit-lions/Article/TJ-Hockenson-Lions-Hall-of-Fame-prediction-131631744/

Getting to know new Detroit Lions cornerback Amani Oruwariye:  https://247sports.com/nfl/detroit-lions/Article/Amani-Oruwariye-Lions-draft-profile-131647888/

Getting to know new Detroit Lions defensive end Austin Bryant:  https://247sports.com/nfl/detroit-lions/Article/Austin-Bryant-Lions-draft-profile-131644186/

Ty Johnson scored kickoff touchdown against Michigan:  https://247sports.com/nfl/detroit-lions/Article/Ty-Johnson-Lions-touchdown-Michigan-131642345/

Ty Johnson learned football with help of his mom:  https://247sports.com/nfl/detroit-lions/Article/Ty-Johnson-Lions-pennies-football-plays-131638668/

Detroit Lions still a long shot to win NFC North after NFL Draft:  https://247sports.com/nfl/detroit-lions/Article/Lions-odds-NFC-North-playoffs-post-NFL-Draft-131641196/

Return to familiar evaluation system gives Lions GM Bob Quinn comfort:  http://www.espn.com/blog/detroit-lions/post/_/id/35438/returning-to-familiar-draft-evaluation-system-gives-lions-gm-bob-quinn-comfort

Detroit Lions Draft Haul Highlighted By Hockenson and Tavai:  https://detroit.cbslocal.com/2019/04/29/detroit-lions-draft-haul-highlighted-by-hockenson-and-tavai/

2019 NFL Draft: Redskins, Steelers flourished; Giants floundered (Loathe - 9. Detroit Lions' second round:  I actually loved Detroit's first-round pick, TE T.J. Hockenson. And then there were a ton of talented players available when the Lions came back on the clock at No. 43. But they reached big time on linebacker Jahlani Tavai. This was a stunner nobody saw coming -- and not in a good way.  Like a billboard once said in the Motor City, "Rebuilding since 1957."):  http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001028977/article/2019-nfl-draft-redskins-steelers-flourished-giants-floundered

Ranking every team's 2019 NFL Draft haul: The Cardinals turn the top pick into the top class (28. Lions (PICKS: TE T.J. Hockenson, LB Jahlani Tavai, S Will Harris, DE Austin Bryant, WR Travis Fulgham, RB Ty Johnson, CB Amani Oruwariye, TE Isaac Nauta, DT P.J. Johnson) (THREE-ROUND GPA: 2.0 (3 PICKS)):  Outside of Amani Oruwariye, the Lions got very little value out of any of their picks. Picking a tight end in the top-10 rarely, if ever, works out. Jahlani Tavai, a liability in pass coverage, was an even worse pick.):  https://ftw.usatoday.com/2019/04/2019-nfl-draft-class-rankings-grades-cardinals-kyler-murray

Video:

From Music City to the Motor City | Lions 2019 Draft Recap Show:  https://www.detroitlions.com/video/from-music-city-to-the-motor-city-lions-2019-draft-recap-show

SportsWorks: Dan Miller, Pat Caputo & John Niyo:  http://www.fox2detroit.com/sports/sportsworks-dan-miller-pat-caputo-john-niyo-10

TJ Hockenson Scouting Reports and Articles

Scouting Reports:

Iowa Profile:  https://hawkeyesports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=11157

MLive:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2019/04/detroit-lions-2019-nfl-draft-prospect-iowa-te-tj-hockenson.html

Detroit Lions Website:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/meet-the-prospect-t-j-hockenson

T.J. Hockenson NFL Draft profile: Everything to know about pro day, measurements, strengths, team fits:   https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/t-j-hockenson-nfl-draft-profile-everything-to-know-about-pro-day-measurements-strengths-team-fits/

Lions draft prospect of the day: Iowa TE Noah Fant:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2019/04/09/noah-fant-scouting-report-detroit-lions/

Prospect Profile: Iowa TE TJ Hockenson:  https://www.vikings.com/news/prospect-profile-iowa-te-t-j-hockenson

T.J. Hockenson NFL draft profile:  https://draftwire.usatoday.com/2019/02/10/2019-nfl-draft-profile-t-j-hockenson-iowa/

Walterfootball:  http://www.walterfootball.com/scoutingreport2019tjhockenson.php

Draft Analyst:  http://draftanalyst.com/tj-hockenson

Draft Tek:   https://www.drafttek.com/NFL-Draft-Scouting-Reports/Scouting-Report-TJ-Hockenson.asp

NFL.com:  https://www.nfl.com/prospects/t.j.-hockenson?id=3219484f-4342-2041-c442-6c874885b155

Video - Draft profile: Hockenson:  https://www.rotoworld.com/video/nfl/draft-profile-hockenson

Video - NFL draft profile: T.J. Hockenson: http://www.espn.com/video/clip?id=26523488

Rankings:

Overall (242/22) 11:

Dan Jeremiah's Final Ranking (4. TJ Hockenson:  Hockenson is a fun player to watch. In the passing game, he fights through press coverage and will stair-step defenders (fights through pass coverage and understands how to attack the leverage of defenders) down the field, helping to create some separation on crossers and deep-over routes. He tracks the ball naturally, and his high-point skills are on display in the red zone. He is very physical after the catch and possesses adequate speed. Hockenson is at his best in the run game. He rag-dolls defensive ends and linebackers. He had multiple pancake blocks in every game I studied. Overall, Hockenson is one of the best blocking tight ends I've ever evaluated, and he is dependable in the passing game. He's a Day 1 impact player at the next level.):  http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001027342/article/daniel-jeremiahs-top-100-prospects-for-2019-nfl-draft

Thor 500: Nystrom's BIG Board (4. TJ Hockenson):  https://www.rotoworld.com/article/rankings/thor-500-nystroms-big-board

Gil Brandt's Top 150 (6. Hockenson:  Hockenson, who played two seasons at Iowa after redshirting in 2016, can and will block and is a very good receiver downfield. He will help his team's running game. The very competitive Hockenson played faster than his 4.7 40 time. He also posted a 37.5-inch vertical jump and a 7.02-second three-cone drill at the combine. He will play a long time at a high level and should be a first-year starter in the NFL.):   http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001026448/article/hot-150-gil-brandts-topranked-prospects-for-2019-nfl-draft

USA Today Top 50 (6. T.J. Hockenson, TE, Iowa: Amid the proliferation of tight ends who primarily operate flexed out wide, Hockenson is somewhat of a blend of old school and new. The Mackey Award winner fights for every pass thrown his way and piles up yards after the catch, but he carries that same aggressive mind-set to his work as a blocker at the line of scrimmage.):  https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/draft/2019/04/23/nfl-draft-rankings-top-nick-bosa-kyler-murray/3541257002/

Serritella: 2019 NFL Draft Final Top 100 (6. Hockenson):  https://footballmaven.io/nfldraftscout/news/serritella-2019-nfl-draft-final-top-100-ClImzy1dp0y7wU_ef_v0uw/

Draft Countdown (6. Hockenson):  http://www.draftcountdown.com/2019-nfl-draft/2019-top-overall-rankings/

MLive Final Top 32 (7. T.J. Hockenson, TE, Iowa:  Tight ends rarely make good picks in the top 15, as they so often come unrefined as blockers and route runners and from offenses that have them way behind the sticks of learning pro concepts. T.J. Hockenson is largely an exception. He has the size and effort to block at 6 feet 5 inches and 251 pounds. He has the 4.7-second speed to stretch a defense and the production in a pro-style offense to show he's ready to do it in the NFL. Hockenson isn't anywhere near as strong, physical or nuanced as Rob Gronkowski was, so I don't see him as a top-10 kind of player overall, but he does fit the balance the Lions want out of a position they botched so badly last season.):  https://expo.mlive.com/sports/g66l-2019/04/391430af036813/final-detroit-lions-big-board-of-the-top-30-prospects-entering-2019-nfl-draft.html

SN (7. TJ Hockenson:  Hockenson has the ideal size at 6-5, 243 pounds to do anything and everything at tight end with his hands, physicality, smarts and agility. He can be the next great all-around player at the position.):  https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/nfl-draft-prospects-big-board-of-top-100-players/11reeksv3zeht1nxouj5psd3s2

Yahoo Sports' top 2019 NFL draft prospects, No. 7: Iowa TE T.J. Hockenson:  https://sports.yahoo.com/yahoo-sports-top-2019-nfl-draft-prospects-no-7-iowa-te-tj-hockenson-153840041.html

2019 SI NFL Draft Position Rankings: Tight Ends (1. T.J. Hockenson, Iowa (Overall Rank: 7):  An athletic tight end who also blocks people? It’s true! Hockenson has a blend of athleticism and physicality rarely seen in collegiate tight ends. He’s going to be a plus in the run game, and he’s a pass-catching threat too, a fluid mover with the ability to create separation and tough to bring down with the ball in his hands.):  https://www.si.com/nfl/2019/04/16/draft-position-rankings-tight-ends-hockenson-fant-knox-irv-smith

Draft Scout (9. Hockenson):  http://www.draftscout.com/overall.php?DraftYear=2019&TopRated=1&sortby=RateAll

Draft Tek (9. Hockenson):   https://www.drafttek.com/Top-100-NFL-Draft-Prospects-2019.asp

CBS Ranking (10. TJ Hockenson - Draft Scouting Report:  Young, dynamic pass-catching option with the athleticism and speed to threaten the seam and make catches well outside his frame. Immense leg churn as a blocker and very accurate finding linebackers in space. Probably needs to add more strength at the next level to control defensive ends at the point of attack, but is arguably the most exciting, new-age tight end to enter the league over the past few drafts. -- CT):   https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/prospect-rankings/

Doug Farrar's Top 50 (10. Hockenson: Bio: After redshirting a year to get his body in shape for the rigors of the Big Ten, Hockenson caught 73 passes for 1,080 yards and nine touchdowns in an offense that wasn’t exactly bursting with opportunities for receivers.  Stat to Know: Last season, Hockenson dropped just one pass on 51 catchable targets.  Strengths: Far more capable as a receiver than he was allowed to show in Iowa’s offense.  Weaknesses: Aggressive as a blocker, but will get rag-dolled and overpowered at times.  Conclusion: Hockenson is plug-and-play from Day 1, and he’ll be far more productive in a developed passing game.  NFL Comparison: Zach Ertz):  https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/2019/04/15/2019-nfl-draft-the-top-50-prospects-in-this-years-class/41/

Risdon 2019 NFL Draft Big Board (10. Hockenson: T.J. Hockenson, TE, Iowa: High-end all-around tight end who can block, catch and run at above-average ability. Has both a high ceiling and a high floor.):  https://football.realgm.com/analysis/3146/The-2019-NFL-Draft-Big-Board

Late risers make a jump up Rang's Final Top 100 Big Board (12. Hockenson):   https://footballmaven.io/nfldraftscout/news/late-risers-make-a-jump-up-rang-s-final-top-100-big-board-A5seDVFyFkSJZXa2acEg8Q/

Draftwire (13. TJ Hockenson):   https://draftwire.usatoday.com/2019/04/22/2019-nfl-draft-rankings-top-300-big-board-kyler-murray-quinnen-williams-nick-bosa-ed-oliver/

Josh Norris Big Board (13. TE T.J. HOCKENSON, IOWA (Age: 22 | Athletic Profile: 87th percentile):  Where He Wins: Complete inline tight end… those are not easy to find. Also split out in situations. Eats up a lot of ground on his breaks. As a blocker, allows his defender to pick a side, then he uses that momentum to push them out of the play. Crushes defenders at the second level. As a receiver, he does most of his damage in the intermediate area. Long strider.  Forecast: Will overstride a shoulder block. Tight end is the slowest developing position in the NFL, as many starters hit their stride on their second contract or with their second team. Everyone believes Hockenson will be different and immediately help the running and passing game.):  https://www.rotoworld.com/article/nfl-draft-preview/norris-2019-nfl-draft-big-board

FTW 2019 NFL Draft's top-50 prospects (16. T.J. HOCKENSON, TE IOWA (NFL comparison: Hunter Henry):  Hockenson is a dominant blocker but don’t sleep on his receiving ability. And, yeah, he didn’t put up mind-blowing numbers, but playing in a Kirk Ferentz offense will do that. Just look at George Kittle. Hockenson makes contested catches and can make things happen with the ball in his hands.):   https://ftw.usatoday.com/2019/04/2019-nfl-draft-top-50-players-nfl-comparisons

PFF's Top-250 Big Board for the 2019 NFL (21. TE T.J. HOCKENSON, IOWA:  Hockenson had the second-highest receiving grade among tight ends in college football this past year, dropping one pass on 51 catchable targets.):  https://www.profootballfocus.com/news/draft-pffs-top-250-big-board-for-the-2019-nfl-draft

Walterfootball (25.  T.J. Hockensen, TE, Iowa. (Previously: 25 Avg. 26.7 per 12) - 04/17/19: Teammate Noah Fant was the Iowa player who entered the 2018 season with the most hype, but it was Hockenson who became the star tight end for the Hawkeyes. Despite splitting targets with Fant, Hockenson totaled 49 receptions for 760 yards with six touchdowns. Both then entered the 2019 NFL Draft, and both have early-round potential, but Hockenson's excellent 2018 season vaulted him to being the top tight end prospect for the 2019 NFL Draft.  As a blocker, Hockenson is special. He is like an extra offensive lineman with his ability to tie up and handle defenders. Hockenson has size and strength with the ability to win his blocks at the next level as well. He gives a relentless effort and has excellent technique.  Hockenson has mismatch potential for the passing game. With his quickness and athleticism, he will be tough for linebackers to cover, and his size is problematic for safeties. Hockenson does a nice job of using his frame to shield defenders from the ball and win on contested catches. He also has reliable hands and is dangerous after the catch. Hockenson runs through tackles and gets yards after contact downfield. In the open field, he will hurdle defensive backs, but he may want to be careful about doing that in the NFL as it puts his body in a vulnerable state. Hockenson is dangerous at working the middle seam and has quickness to get to the second level. Via good route-running and his feel, Hockenson can consistently get open. He tracks the ball well, adjusts to passes well, and is a real asset in the red zone. His NFL team is going to have Hockenson as a main stay in the red zone through his blocking and receiving ability. With his athletic upside, Hockenson's best football is in front of him, and he should only improve as he gains experience. Sources from a multiple teams say that Hockenson is the consensus top tight end for the 2019 NFL Draft, and they believe he will be a first-round pick. Hockenson did not grade out as high as O.J. Howard did coming out of Alabama in 2017, or Eric Ebron did coming out of North Carolina in 2014. Thus, they believe that Hockenson should go in the 20s, although it definitely is possible that a team reaches and makes him as a top-20 choice.):  http://walterfootball.com/nfldraftbigboard

CBS Chris Trapasso Final 200 (34. TJ Hockenson:  Hockenson is my top tight end, and his standing here at the top of Round 2 is more about his position not being super valuable in NFL offenses today, compared to receivers.):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/nfl-draft-2019-prospect-rankings-my-final-top-200-big-board-with-no-quarterbacks-in-the-top-15/

Positional (15/14) 1:

CBS Ranking (1. TJ Hockenson):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/prospect-rankings/2018

Chris Trapasso TE Rankings (1. TE Hockenson:  Hockenson is "natural" catching the football. As long as its in his vicinity, he'll typically come down with the football. High-point grabs are no problem. Tracking the ball downfield. Easy.):   https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/nfl-draft-2019-tight-end-rankings-breaking-down-skills-of-top-tight-ends-from-blocking-to-speed/

SN Positional (1. TJ Hockenson):   https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/nfl-draft-prospects-2019-best-players-by-position-big-board/17d73g2dx6ctx1m48grky728vw

Bucky Brooks' top 5 2019 NFL Draft prospects by position 3.0 (1. Hockenson):  http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001025897/article/bucky-brooks-top-5-2019-nfl-draft-prospects-by-position-30

2019 SI NFL Draft Position Rankings: Tight Ends (1. T.J. Hockenson, Iowa (Overall Rank: 7):  An athletic tight end who also blocks people? It’s true! Hockenson has a blend of athleticism and physicality rarely seen in collegiate tight ends. He’s going to be a plus in the run game, and he’s a pass-catching threat too, a fluid mover with the ability to create separation and tough to bring down with the ball in his hands.):  https://www.si.com/nfl/2019/04/16/draft-position-rankings-tight-ends-hockenson-fant-knox-irv-smith

TBL 2019 NFL Draft: Top 10 Tight End Prospects (1. T.J. Hockenson, Iowa:  Hockenson has all the makings of a true dual-threat tight end. He has the prerequisite size and competitive edge to be a force in the run game while using his above-average athleticism to make plays in the passing game. He needs to work on his route running to become a truly great pass-catcher, but he”ll make an instant impact wherever lands. His ceiling is dependent on how far he can come as a receiver, but Hockenson will start off his career as a versatile player who will give his team plenty of options on offense. Top 10 might be a bit high for a tight end, but if it’s going to be anyone, you truly cannot go wrong with Hockenson.):  https://thebiglead.com/2019/04/25/2019-nfl-draft-top-10-tight-end-prospects/

PFF's top-10 tight ends in the 2019 NFL Draft (1. TE T.J. HOCKENSON, IOWA
Hockenson had the second-highest receiving grade among tight ends in college football this past year, dropping one pass on 51 catchable targets.):  https://www.profootballfocus.com/news/draft-top-10-tight-ends-for-2019-nfl-draft

WalterFootball.com: 2019 NFL Draft: Tight End (1. Hockenson:  4/23/19: Hockenson was a surprise early-entry into the 2019 NFL Draft. It wasn't a bad decision though, as he is the consensus top tight end prospect. While splitting targets with Noah Fant in 2018, Hockenson totaled 49 receptions for 760 yards with six touchdowns. He has good size and showed some impressive receiving skills over the past season. To go along with being a receiving mismatch weapon, Hockenson is a very good blocker who should quickly develop into a three-down starter in the NFL. Sources from multiple teams say that Hockenson did not grade out as high as O.J. Howard did in 2017 or Eric Ebron did in 2014 when they went as top-20 picks. But with the 2019 NFL Draft being weak at a number of positions, Hockenson has a shot at going higher than Howard and Ebron did.):  https://walterfootball.com/draft2019TE.php

Nystrom: Final Position Rankings (1. Hockenson):  https://www.rotoworld.com/article/evaluations/nystrom-final-position-rankings?page=1

Draft Scout (1. Hockenson):  http://www.draftscout.com/players.php?GenPos=TE&DraftYear=2019&sortorder=TSXPos&order=ASC

Rang's Top 10s per position (with projected rounds) for the 2019 NFL Draft (1.  T.J. Hockenson, 6-4 ¾, 251, 4.70, Iowa, First Round):   https://footballmaven.io/nfldraftscout/news/rang-s-top-10s-per-position-with-projected-rounds-for-the-2019-nfl-draft-Fr8l2CrDbUi-A_wLBFSJSw/

Draftcountdown TE Rankings (1. Hockenson):  http://www.draftcountdown.com/2019-nfl-draft/tight-end-rankings/

Draft Tek (1. Hockenson):   https://www.drafttek.com/2019-NFL-Draft-Prospect-Rankings/Top-College-Tight-Ends-2019-Draft.asp

Draftwire (2. Hockenson):  https://draftwire.usatoday.com/gallery/2019-nfl-draft-rankings-tight-end-noah-fant-t-j-hockenson/

Articles:

NFL Draft 2019: T.J. Hockenson and the 7 safest prospects on SN's big board (1. TJ Hockenson: The more you watch what Hockenson did at Iowa, the more you want to watch him - and the more you like him. At 6-5, 251 pounds, he does everything well at the position and could be a first-round pick on his inline blocking alone. His mega receiving talent is some pretty good gravy. He's destined to challenge fellow Hawkeye George Kittle for title of best all-around tight end in the game.) (4-25-19):  https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/nfl-draft-2019-safest-prospects-picks-big-board-tj-hockenson/6pvbpk9jpy8b1x62ammt0cb0q

Why Lions get T.J. Hockenson in my final NFL mock draft
Lions (4-25-19):  https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2019/04/25/why-detroit-lions-get-t-j-hockenson-my-final-nfl-mock-draft/3567716002/

Ranking the top non-QBs in this draft class (7. T.J. Hockenson, TE, Iowa
I love the Iowa tight end. He's a well-rounded future star who immediately helps in all aspects of your offensive game plan: running and passing. In fact, he was a more prolific pass catcher last season (49 grabs for 760 yards and six touchdowns) than his mismatch TE teammate Noah Fant (39/519/7).  While Hockenson didn't blow anyone away with his 40 time at the combine (4.70), his play speed is much faster. And again, he's a spectacular blocker. For any team looking for a true "Y" tight end, Hockenson is the ideal prospect.  Potential landing spot: I expect him to get drafted in the top 10. Actually, when you think about it, he makes complete sense for every team picking in the 7-10 range: Jacksonville, Detroit, Buffalo and Denver. I think the Bills make the most sense. In theory, Hockenson would be the perfect fit to replace Rob Gronkowski in New England, but that's a pipe dream (or nightmare, depending on your perspective) because he'll be long gone by the time the Patriots are picking.) (4-24-19):  http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001027710/article/2019-nfl-draft-ranking-the-best-nonquarterbacks-in-the-class

T.J. Hockenson talks Lions on NFL draft Eve (4-24-19):  https://www.freep.com/videos/sports/nfl/lions/2019/04/24/nfl-draft-tj-hockenson-detroit-lions/3562629002/

Safest Bets In 2019 NFL Draft Include Top-Ranked Tight End, Star D-Linemen (T.J. Hockenson, TE, Iowa - There hasn’t been a tight end drafted in the top 10 since Eric Ebron in 2014, and before him, there hadn’t been one since 2006. There’s a good chance Hockenson joins that exclusive club this year. He’s widely considered the top prospect in a deep and talented tight end class — one that includes another likely first-rounder in fellow Iowa product Noah Fant — earning plaudits for both his receiving ability (49 catches, 760 yards, six touchdowns in 2018) and his talents as a blocker. You don’t see many tight ends compared to both Rob Gronkowski and Travis Kelce during the pre-draft process, but that just shows how high folks are on Hockenson.) (4-23-19):  https://nesn.com/2019/04/safest-bets-in-2019-nfl-draft-include-top-ranked-tight-end-star-d-linemen/

NFL comparisons for the top 50 prospects in the 2019 draft (10. T.J. Hockenson, TE, Iowa—Zach Ertz:  Hockenson is one of two Iowa tight ends who will likely be taken in the first round of the 2019 draft, with Noah Fant being the other one, and this hasn’t happened before in the post-merger era. Of the two, Hockenson is the better overall player, with a defined blocking style that may push him above Fant overall, though Fant is the more explosive receiver. With his comprehensive skill set, the 6’5”, 251-pound Hockenson—who dropped just one pass in 51 catchable targets in 2018—brings Ertz to mind when Ertz came out of Stanford in the 2013 draft and became a star for the Eagles. Ertz set an NFL record for tight ends with 116 catches last season, and Hockenson could be that productive with a palette that will keep him on the field.) (4-23-19):  https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/2019/04/23/nfl-comparisons-for-the-top-50-prospects-in-the-2019-draft/4/

Brooks: Future All-Pros, Pro Bowlers in draft (All Pro - 7. Hockenson) (4-23-19):  http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001027527/article/2019-nfl-draft-allpros-pro-bowlers-and-red-stars-to-watch

NFL Draft 2019: Comparisons for the draft's top tight ends, including Noah Fant and T.J. Hockenson (T.J. Hockenson, Iowa (NFL comparison: George Kittle): Easy, same-school comparison here. Like Kittle, Hockenson is a serious seam-stretcher who plays faster than his 4.7 time in the 40. He has dynamic feet, springy leaping ability, and strong hands, so he's the consummate big target over the middle. He's probably a little ahead of where Kittle was as a blocker when he entered the league, but for as many highlight reel blocks as Hockenson put on film in 2018, he could add bulk which would give him more power against defensive ends when he's in-line.) (4-23-19):   https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/nfl-draft-2019-comparisons-for-the-drafts-top-tight-ends-including-noah-fant-and-t-j-hockenson/

NFL Draft 2019 tight end rankings: Breaking down skills of top tight ends, from blocking to speed (4-23-19):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/nfl-draft-2019-tight-end-rankings-breaking-down-skills-of-top-tight-ends-from-blocking-to-speed/

NFL Mock Draft: Why T.J. Hockenson is the right pick for Lions at No. 8 (4-23-19):  https://www.clickondetroit.com/sports/nfl-mock-draft-why-tj-hockenson-is-the-right-pick-for-lions-at-no-8

NFL draft 2019: Why I chose Iowa TE T.J. Hockenson for Detroit in my final mock draft (4-22-19):   https://www.mlive.com/lions/2019/04/nfl-draft-2019-why-i-chose-iowa-te-tj-hockenson-for-detroit-in-my-final-mock.html

Kyle Meinke's final mock draft: Yes, the Lions really do take Iowa TE TJ Hockenson (4-22-19):  https://expo.mlive.com/sports/g66l-2019/04/aed2f4ffe84300/kyle-meinkes-final-mock-draft-yes-the-lions-really-do-take-iowa-te-tj-hockenson.html

One player the Lions should take in the first round (and one they shouldn't) (TJ Hockenson:  Despite plenty of mock drafts connecting Hockenson to the Lions, I don’t believe that the team should spend their draft pick on the tight end. While it is a position of need, this is a deep tight end draft class, meaning that Detroit can find their starter in a later round. Taking a tight end in the first round just closes the door on the top-tier defensive talent in this draft.  Hockenson is the most complete tight end prospect in this draft class, but the Lions would be better suited to take a player like Kahale Warring with a mid-round pick.) (4-22-19):  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2019/04/22/detroit-lions-nfl-draft-no-8-pick-brian-burns-t-j-hockenson/

Everything You Need to Know About the 2019 NFL Draft’s Top Storylines (What if my team needs a Tight end (Bills, Patriots, Steelers, Jaguars, Titans, Cowboys, Lions, Packers, Vikings): T.J. Hockenson (Iowa) is the main player to know here. Hockenson might be the most complete tight end to enter the league since Rob Gronkowski (no, he’s not Gronk), but he checks the boxes as both a blocker and a receiver. He’s should go in the late top 10 or early teens. His Hawkeye teammate, Noah Fant, should come off the board in the late teens or 20s. Fant has eye-popping physical tools and more receiving upside than Hockenson, but he won’t offer much as a blocker and was less productive than Hockenson at Iowa. Alabama’s Irv Smith Jr. could also sneak his way into the back of the first round.) (4-22-19):   https://www.si.com/nfl/2019/04/22/nfl-draft-2019-guide-introduction-top-storylines-kyler-murray

Eight prospect possibilities for Lions at No. 8 in the NFL Draft (T.J. Hockenson, TE, Iowa: Again, it’s a pick that would frustrate fans who are quick to judge the present and future based on the past. After getting less-than-expected returns from first-round tight ends Eric Ebron and Brandon Pettigrew, there’s natural skepticism with going back to that well. But by all appearances, Hockenson is a better prospect than both.  First and foremost, the Iowa standout is an above-average blocker, a skill fewer and fewer tight ends have coming out. Add that to the refined pass-catching you’d expect from a former receiver, resulting in a single drop a year ago. That skill set is nicely bundled up in plus athleticism and outstanding football character, which is why some analysts have called him the draft’s safest pick.) (4-22-19):  https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2019/04/22/eight-prospect-possibilities-detroit-lions-no-8-nfl-draft/3538279002/

Meet the fifth annual All-Juice Team for 2019 NFL draft (TJ Hockenson:  The 6-5, 251-pound Hockenson has good ball skills, and he uses his elite athleticism to either win downfield or regularly leap over defenders after the catch (if he doesn’t run by them first). Plus he blocks, something most tight ends aren’t good at anymore. He’s the best tight end prospect in years. Grade: 7.1) (4-22-19):   https://sports.yahoo.com/meet-the-fifth-annual-all-juice-team-for-2019-nfl-draft-212427633.html

Leaked wonderlic scores (Hockenson got a 22) (4-22-19):  https://thebiglead.com/2019/04/22/leaked-wonderlic-nfl-scores/

If Lions keep No. 8 pick, here's who they'll pick (Hockenson - Scouting report: The last tight end to go in the top eight of the draft was Vernon Davis in 2006, so Hockenson has to be special to even be considered a possible fit for the Lions. He caught 49 passes for 760 yards and six touchdowns as a redshirt sophomore last season, when he won the Mackey Award as the nation’s top tight end. But what really sets him apart as a prospect is his versatility. Hockenson isn’t Rob Gronkowski. (Gronk is one of the most unique talents the NFL has ever seen.) But he's one of the few pro-ready tight ends who can contribute as a blocker and receiver. Hockenson’s teammate, Noah Fant, another first-round prospect, is the better athlete, but Hockenson will impact whatever team he goes to as both a run blocker and field-stretcher.  He said it: “Hockenson is unique because of his ability, which is why he’s continually being pushed in the top 10 of most drafts. And when I talk to other guys around the league, I still get that feeling from other guys like, ‘Yeah, Mark, this guy’s the guy because he can do it all.’ So you love those guys.” – SiriusXM analyst and former Tampa Bay Buccaneers general manager Mark Dominik) (4-21-19):   https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2019/04/21/detroit-lions-2019-nfl-draft/3526430002/

Iowa TE's Noah Fant, T.J. Hockenson poised to make NFL Draft history (4-21-19):   https://siouxcityjournal.com/sports/college/iowa-te-s-noah-fant-t-j-hockenson-poised-to/article_e599d98b-7f7a-5326-b018-19e04b7e3ff3.html

T.J. Hockenson's passer rating of 139.1 led the B1G this season. He caught 49 passes, averaged 7.3 yards after the catch per reception and forced 8 missed tackles. (4-21-19):  https://mobile.twitter.com/PFF_College/status/1119997475098644486

2019 NFL draft countdown: Scouting the tight ends (T.J. Hockenson, 6-4, 251, 4.70, Iowa:  Above-average athlete with excellent hand-eye coordination and reliable hands. Hockenson lacks bulk and isn't much of a drive blocker, but figures to be an immediate starter and a receiving threat.) (4-21-19):   https://www.houstonchronicle.com/sports/texas-sports-nation/texans/article/2019-NFL-draft-countdown-Scouting-the-tight-ends-13783418.php

Here are three ways Lions can ace 2019 NFL Draft (Scenario 2: Staying put (First round: TE T.J. Hockenson, Iowa; Second round: CB Joejuan Williams, Vanderbilt; Third round: LB D’Andre Walker, Georgia.):   Hockenson is much more than a consolation prize if the Lions are forced to stay where they’re at. He’s one of the best, most well-rounded tight end prospects to come out of college in the last decade, and he’s almost universally regarded as a top-12 draft pick. The Lions have a need at tight end, and Hockenson is the type of safe prospect Quinn has tended towards in the past. With Hockenson in the fold, the Lions can turn their attention to defense on Day 2. Teez Tabor hasn’t panned out, but Williams could be the third cornerback the Lions need to pair with Darius Slay and Justin Coleman. He’s big at a legitimate 6 feet 3, and he led the SEC with 15 passes defensed last year. Walker would probably play as Devon Kennard’s backup as a rookie, but the Lions are thin at the linebacker and edge-rush spots and he has that SEC blood that Quinn is attracted to.) (4-20-19):  https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2019/04/20/detroit-lions-2019-nfl-draft-scenarios/3517523002/

2019 NFL Draft: The 24 prospects who are locks for the first round, plus a look at the next guys up (T.J. Hockenson, TE, Iowa
Maybe he gets out of the teens before he's picked, but maybe not. Seen as a safe, clean pick no matter where he goes.) (4-19-19):   https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/2019-nfl-draft-the-24-prospects-who-are-locks-for-the-first-round-plus-a-look-at-the-next-guys-up/

Lions would be making a mistake picking TE at No. 8. Here's why (Any big surprises from the predraft news conference?  I asked Quinn if a tight end he’s interested in (probably Iowa’s T.J. Hockenson) is available when the Lions pick eighth overall, would he have to take into account the disappointing tenure of tight end Eric Ebron, who never lived down the expectations of being drafted 10th overall by Martin Mayhew in 2014. “In all due respect to the fans out there,” Quinn said, “I can’t take the fans’ sentiment into who I draft and who I sign for this team. And I wasn’t the person that drafted Eric. So I think that’s completely two different conversations.” Hockenson is considered by some as one of the best tight end prospects in a decade. But I think Quinn needs to take fans’ temperature on Hockenson. The whole Ebron saga, from Lions castoff to Pro Bowler in Indianapolis, is too fresh in fans’ minds to draft a tight end with the eighth pick this year. It would be an albatross Hockenson would unfairly have to carry around Detroit while learning one of the NFL’s most demanding positions.) (4-18-19):   https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2019/04/18/detroit-lions-bob-quinn-nfl-draft/3513135002/

Lions 2019 draft preview: It's a good year to need a tight end (Iowa's T.J. Hockenson, who has drawn stylistic comparisons to Gronkowski, is as complete a tight end as you'll see coming out of college. A dominant blocker, Hockenson is also an athletic and reliable pass catcher, utilizing skills he developed as a high school receiver. He dropped just one pass while catching 49 balls for 760 yards and six scores last season.) (4-18-19):   https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2019/04/18/detroit-lions-2019-draft-preview-its-good-year-need-tight-end/3505626002/

Serritella: 2019 NFL Draft Primer – TEs (T.J. Hockenson, Iowa – A first down waiting to happen, you might as well call him, “Mr. Automatic.” Hockenson plays beyond the whistle. He would be an all-pro fullback, the fact that he possesses the size to play tight end and can be a receiving threat as well, makes him a blue chip prospect at his position. It wouldn’t be surprising to see Hockenson go in the top ten.) (4-18-19):   https://footballmaven.io/nfldraftscout/news/serritella-2019-nfl-draft-primer-tes-msh0eIB0ckqeB8GK6jKn8g/

NFL Draft: Kittle expects quick Hockenson & Fant impact (4-17-19):  https://www.sportingnews.com/us/amp/nfl/news/nfl-draft-2019-george-kittle-expects-fellow-iowa-tight-ends-noah-fant-tj-hockenson-to-have-day-1-impact/nmhvcnslugyf15dhuy0sjw9m5

Lions willing to draft TE Hockenson, a 'once-in-a-lifetime kid'? (4-17-19):  https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2019/04/17/nfl-draft-prospect-iowa-tj-hockenson/3495675002/

Iowa TE T.J. Hockenson has hometown — and several teams — excited for NFL draft (4-17-19):  https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2019/04/17/nfl-draft-prospect-iowa-tj-hockenson/3495675002/

NFL draft preview: Why Lions could go TE early (Top 3 TE prospects - 1. T.J. Hockenson, Iowa; 2. Noah Fant, Iowa; 3. Irv Smith Jr., Alabama. Draft dish - This is one of the strongest draft classes ever at the tight end position, and Hockenson, Fant and Smith all could hear their names called in the first round. Hockenson is unique in that he’s just as comfortable blocking inline as he is running routes downfield. He’s in play for the Lions with the eighth overall pick. Fant is a better athlete than his ex-Iowa teammate, but not as well-rounded or sure-handed.) (4-17-19):  https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2019/04/17/nfl-draft-preview-detroit-lions-pass-catchers/3493430002/

2019 NFL Draft: When should top prospects expect to hear their names called? Here are their draft-day ranges (T.J. Hockenson, TE, Iowa - Earliest: Lions, No. 8.  Latest: Vikings, No. 18. Hockenson's the "it" guy in this tight end class. And rightfully so. The high-point grabs, devastating blocks in space, yards after the catch, he has a flashy, complete game.  Lions fans might cringe at the idea of a tight end in the top 10 after the Eric Ebron fiasco, but remember, new regime, new coaching staff in Detroit than the group that picked Ebron in 2014.  The Vikings, like the Texans, need offensive line reinforcement. Picking at No. 18 obviously gives Minnesota a better chance than Houston to land a premier blocker. However, based on what's seemingly widespread love for Hock, it'd be stunning if he fell past the Vikings -- who could use a tight end to groom under Kyle Rudolph.) (4-16-19):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2019-nfl-draft-when-should-top-prospects-expect-to-hear-their-names-called-here-are-their-draft-day-ranges/

2019 NFL Draft Stock - Pro Days VI (T.J. Hockenson, TE, Iowa:  The 2019 NFL Draft has a serious lack of playmakers as it is a weak year for high first-round talent at running back and wide receiver. Still there are plenty of teams that need mismatch problems for their offense with a lot of teams that have young franchise quarterbacks looking to get a weapon for their signal caller. As a result, Hockenson could go in the top-20 as he is viewed as a first-round caliber player that can help a quarterback as a receiver and blocker. Team sources say that Hockenson is not as good of a prospect as O.J. Howard or Eric Ebron were when they were top-20 picks. However the lack of other talented offensive players helps to push Hockenson up and he could end up getting selected higher than Howard or even Ebron.) (4-16-19):  http://walterfootball.com/draft2019stock_30.php

A player the Lions should draft at No. 8 and another they need to avoid (No go: Iowa TE T.J. Hockenson - With the major need at tight end, Hockenson has been labeled as a potential candidate for the Lions in the first round because of his do-it-all mentality as a receiver and blocker making him one of more well-rounded tight ends in the class. Because of the failed projects from past regimes, it has made quite a few people skeptical at selecting a tight end and a confusing one, but it all comes down to value for why Hockenson should not be selected at eight.  Tight ends are notorious for taking a while to develop in the NFL, having to learn the assignments as a receiver and a blocker, making the learning curve for rookie tight ends steep, stunting their immediate contributions. The question comes down to will Hockenson be able to break that mold and make a significant input warranting the value of the eighth overall pick? Probably not. On top of that, this tight end group is so deep the talent between Hockenson and the next tight end is not that big of a difference where you need to pick Hockenson that high.  This is not going against Hockenson, he is one of the more polished prospects in this draft class, it more has to do with the value of where the Lions are picking. If they are able to trade down, Hockenson could fit that value, but right now the Lions would be using a premium pick on a position that not only takes a significant time to develop, the talent between tight ends is so close to one another, it doesn’t warrant such a high selection.) (4-14-19):  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2019/04/14/one-player-the-lions-should-shouldnt-take-in-the-first-round/

Bust-proof: Here are 8 of the safest prospects in the 2019 NFL draft (TE T.J. Hockenson, Iowa:  Hockenson has it all. When the 6-foot-5, 251-pounder tested as an elite athlete for the position, it was music to the ears of many tight end-needy teams in the first round, all of whom had already fallen in love with him because of his college tape.  Hockenson is a tough run blocker who has been well-schooled in that area, but he shined as a pass catcher, where he showed off his ball skills and route-running. Among the highest of praises he has received among draftniks: NFL Network analyst Daniel Jeremiah said Hockenson plays similar to future Hall of Famer Rob Gronkowski.  Projection: Top 20) (4-12-19):   https://sports.yahoo.com/bustproof-here-are-8-of-the-safest-prospects-in-the-2019-nfl-draft-185155736.html

Here's why TE Hockenson makes sense for Lions in Round 1 (4-12-19):   https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2019/04/11/detroit-lions-tj-hockenson-nfl-mock-draft/3434244002/

NFL draft: Todd McShay thinks the Lions' best-case scenario is landing Hockenson (4-9-19):   https://www.mlive.com/lions/2019/04/todd-mcshay-iowa-te-tj-hockenson-headlines-best-case-draft-for-lions.html

Iowa tight ends' competition continues into NFL (4-9-19):  http://www.espn.com/nfl/story?id=26481463&src=desktop

2019 NFL Draft: Ranking players who deserve first-round grade (12. Hockenson:  Many view him as the most complete TE in the class. He mauls people at the line of scrimmage as a blocker. Excellent receiver, too.) (4-8-19):  http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001025582/article/2019-nfl-draft-ranking-players-who-deserve-firstround-grade

'Gold jacket' prospects in the 2019 NFL Draft (T.J. Hockenson, TE, Iowa: The latest product from "Tight End U" is as complete as they come at the position. Hockenson is a throwback player with exceptional blocking skills and receiving ability. He can seal the edge on outside runs, as well as move defenders off the ball on downhill rushes between the tackles. Additionally, Hockenson is a post-up specialist between the hashes, and he boasts impressive catch-and-run skills with the ball in his hands. As a Jason Witten-like weapon at the "Y" position, it is easy to envision Hockenson being a longtime difference-maker as the centerpiece of a passing game.) (4-5-19):  http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001025471

Charles Davis: 'I like Noah Fant better' than T.J. Hockenson (4-4-19):  https://wgr550.radio.com/articles/news/davis-i-noah-fant-better-tj-hockenson

Evaluations: NFL Draft TE Rankings (1. TJ Hockenson) (4-4-19):  https://www.rotoworld.com/article/evaluations/nfl-draft-te-rankings

Montez Sweat or T.J. Hockenson? ESPN analysts split on Lions picks (McShay went a very different direction in the first round, going with tight end T.J. Hockenson for the Lions.  “I do like the idea of plugging Sweat into the Ezekiel Ansah edge role,” McShay writes, “but Hockenson’s talent is off the charts. Let’s get Matthew Stafford a weapon in the passing game.”  The thinking sounds about right. It also sounds familiar. After all, this is what we heard when Detroit took Eric Ebron 10th overall back in 2014, and Brandon Pettigrew before that. They’re one of just two teams to use multiple first-round picks on tight ends in the last decade, and nobody else has taken a tight end in the top 10. Could the Lions really do it again?  Well the optics might not sit right for some fans, but the possibility is on the table. Hockenson, remember, is a very different player from Ebron. He just might be the top blocker in this class, for starters, and had remarkably sure hands during his days at Iowa. He dropped just one pass all last year, and his quarterbacks amassed a passer rating of 139.1 when targeting him, tops in the Big Ten.  That has to be at least intriguing for a Lions team that was handcuffed by one of the worst tight end rotations in the league last year. Of course, adding a tight end does nothing to relieve the depth issues on defense, so McShay has Detroit addressing those by taking Louisiana Tech defensive end Jaylon Ferguson in the second round.  “The Lions didn’t get an edge rusher in Round 1, so I’ll give them this highly productive defensive end -- he had 45 sacks in his career -- to chase quarterbacks,” McShay wrote.(4-3-19):   https://www.mlive.com/lions/2019/04/mel-kiper-todd-mcshay-split-on-lions-picks-in-2-round-mock-draft.html

2019 NFL Draft QIB qualifiers: Tight ends (Full QIB qualifiers - It’s not easy to attain a Full QIB qualification at tight end, so it’s no surprise only two players achieved this in 2019 — T.J. Hockenson (6-5, 251) and Noah Fant (6-4, 249) both from Iowa. The Lions have shown interest in both players and both are expected to be drafted in the first round.  Hockenson is the No. 1 tight end on almost every draft board as he plays with balance as a blocker, explosion in his routes and strength in his hands. He has gotten Top-10 hype, and while the Lions could use a player with his skills, it’s worth noting that Lions Wire’s own Scott Bischoff boldly goes against the national narrative suggesting Hockenson’s blocking isn’t what it’s hyped to be and thinks he and the Lions wouldn’t be a match at pick No. 8 overall.) (4-2-19):  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2019/04/02/2019-nfl-draft-qib-qualifiers-tight-ends/

Lions in NFL draft: 15 prospects for 1st, 2nd rounds (TE T.J. Hockenson, Iowa:  The Lions signed Jesse James on Day 1 of free agency, but they still have room to add another tight end to their roster. Hockenson is the best in this class, a willing blocker and capable downfield threat. Would the Lions really spend another top-10 pick on the position, though?) (4-2-19):   https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2019/04/02/detroit-lions-nfl-draft-prospects/3342218002/

Iowa has the two best tight ends in the 2019 (4-2-19):  https://www.profootballfocus.com/news/draft-iowas-tight-ends-are-the-best-in-the-2019-nfl-draft

Players who could be in play for Lions pick at No. 8 (4. TJ Hockenson:  The biggest question on the mind of plenty of folks this draft season has been whether or not the Lions would take a tight end early in April. It's possible they will, and Hockenson's name has been the one most connected to the Lions in terms of the eighth pick. If the Lions trade back, this move is a virtual certainty. Thanks to their need at tight end, though, Hockenson will remain on the short list for the team in the draft as someone to watch.) (3-29-19):  https://247sports.com/nfl/detroit-lions/ContentGallery/Top-Lions-draft-options-2019-first-round-130657825/#130657825_1

Ed Oliver worthy of top-five pick; Pats' options to replace Gronk (Iowa's T.J. Hockenson (Y) and Texas A&M's Jace Sternberger (flex): Hockenson is the quintessential "Y" tight end in today's game. He's a rugged blocker in the running game but also displays the route-running skills and pass-catching ability to dominate between the hashes. Sternberger is a dynamic vertical threat with big-play potential as a "seam" runner over the middle.) (3-29-19):  http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001024748/article/ed-oliver-worthy-of-topfive-pick-pats-options-to-replace-gronk

Ranking the top-five draft-eligible tight ends in yards per route run (3. T.J. HOCKENSON, IOWA (2.21):  Iowa is sending two stellar tight ends into the NFL this offseason, and the first of which to appear on this list is T.J. Hockenson. In addition to his blocking chops, the 6-foot-5, 251-pound Hockenson excelled in the passing game, catching 49-of-64 targets for 744 yards and six touchdowns across his 337 routes run. He ranked third among qualifiers in the class in yards per route run at 2.21.) (3-29-19):  https://www.profootballfocus.com/news/draft-ranking-the-top-five-draft-eligible-tight-ends-in-yards-per-route-run

Why Lions are an unlikely match for Iowa TE T.J. Hockenson (First round: T.J. Hockenson, Iowa - The top all-around tight end in this class, Hockenson can do it all: block, catch, run routes, align all over the formation. While not a freak athlete, he’s more than fast and explosive enough to do anything asked of an NFL tight end. His ceiling is equivalent to Travis Kelce.) (3-27-19):  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2019/03/27/iowa-tight-end-t-j-hockenson-detroit-lions-an-unlikely-match/

MOCK DRAFT WATCH: TE T.J. Hockenson emerges as a candidate for Lions (3-26-19):  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/mock-draft-watch-te-t-j-hockenson-emerges-as-a-candidate-for-lions

Replacing Gronk? 7 draft options for Patriots (1. T.J. Hockenson, Iowa: It's only natural to start this list with the pre-eminent prospect at tight end in this class. Given his receiving skills, athleticism and blocking ability, the Mackey Award winner might be the closest approximation of Gronkowski's skill set that one could hope for from a draft prospect in a given year. But would New England be willing to trade as high as into the top 10 to land him?): https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/patriots/2019/03/25/rob-gronkowski-new-england-patriots-nfl-draft-tight-end/3263848002/
Lions 2019 NFL draft: A tight end for every round (3-25-19):  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2019/03/25/lions-2019-nfl-draft-a-tight-end-for-every-round/

The Athletic's Dane Brugler believes Iowa TE T.J. Hockenson has a "complete skill set."
(Hockenson (6'5/251) excelled in athletic testing at the NFL Scouting combine, producing an athletic SPARQ composite score in the 87th percentile. Brugler noted that Hockenson didn't block in high school but has developed into an "elite blocker" with "the functional strength and competitive spirit to physically overwhelm defenders at the point of attack." Hockenson is the full package with strong athleticism, good blocking chops, and pass-catching ability. Brugler projects Hockenson to be an immediate starter with Pro Bowl potential and has him ranked No. 9 overall on his latest Top-100 Big Board.) (3-17-19):

Combine Confidential: 2019 All-Combine Team (2nd Team - TE TJ Hockenson) (3-6-19):   https://footballmaven.io/nfldraftscout/combine/combine-confidential-2019-all-combine-team-_HL5bvPglkuVYyTaZn9ERA/

Why T.J. Hockenson should be in play for the Lions, and other combine thoughts (Covering the combine is one of the hardest tasks on the NFL schedule for a beat writer. There are more than 300 players in town, more than 200 of whom do interviews. So do most coaches and general managers. And you can't throw a rock in Indianapolis without hitting an agent.  Trying to cover all that is, as Matt Patricia might say, like drinking from a fire hose.  So as I pointed my rented Hyundai Tucson north for the ride home to Detroit, a podcast playing in the distance, my mind continued to spin. And there was one thought I couldn't escape: Yes, Iowa tight end T.J. Hockenson makes a whole lot of sense for Detroit.  The possibility of taking a tight end with the eighth overall pick has already become idea non grata in Detroit, as you might expect. The Lions are the only team to use a top-10 pick on a tight end in the last 12 years, after all, and the Eric Ebron experiment didn't exactly work out.  But Detroit cannot be in the business of making personnel decisions based on whether personnel decisions made a half-decade ago panned out. That's like saying Detroit shouldn't have taken Calvin Johnson because Michael Williams and Charles Rogers didn't work out. And where would this franchise have been without him?  That's why you have to make the evaluation. If Detroit thinks it can get better value and more help by taking, say, the fourth EDGE rusher off the board, then go for it. But if Detroit really thinks T.J. Hockenson is the next Rob Gronkowski, as some analysts suggest he is, then of course Hockenson should be in play.  Tight end, remember, is a dire need. Find me a worse tight end rotation last season, top to bottom. Go ahead, I'll wait.   OK, I get it, the idea of pulling another Ebron makes you sick. But keep in mind, Hockenson is a very different player. He's way more sure-handed, for one. He led Iowa in catches and yards, which is really saying something considering he plays tight end and that he had to beat out another first-round prospect in Noah Fant just to see the field.  And he did all of it while dropping just one pass all last season. One.  That's crazy. And it's especially crazy when you consider Hockenson might also be the most deadly blocker in this draft class too. And that's what makes him transcend where tight ends are usually taken in the draft. Because while he'll certainly help your passing game, he's definitely going to help your running game too.  Shouldn't that be appealing for a Lions team that has a budding star at running back in Kerryon Johnson? And is moving to more of a run-first approach under new coordinator Darryl Bevell?   Hockenson also happens to be a highly regarded team leader, with good character and a high floor, all hallmarks of a Bob Quinn first-round pick.  "I love Hockenson," NFL Network draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah said. "I think he's the safest player in the draft. And part of the benefit for him in terms of what I gave him and where I ranked him, I did him the day after watching Rob Gronkowski live in person in the playoff game against the Chargers, and I saw Gronk completely dominate a football game without really having to catch the ball. He was just so dominant in the run game. And then I flip on this kid, and he's not as tall as Gronk, and I don't compare anybody to Gronk, he's on a whole different level in terms of what he can do. But I saw this kid with that same temperament and nastiness in the run game and controlling the run game. And then on top of that, he does nothing but get open and catch everything they throw to him.  "He's going to be a very valuable player with a very high floor as well as a high ceiling."  One last parting thought on this: While the Ebron drama has turned off a lot of people to the idea of drafting another tight end in the first round, I can't emphasize enough how different they are. Obviously, Hockenson can block. But it's more than that.  You should have seen how physically uncomfortable Hockenson became when asked at the combine why he was so good. If he can disengage from defenders like he can a compliment, this guy is going to be a Hall-of-Famer. Which, of course, runs in direct contrast to Ebron, who was so cocky coming out that he underestimated the transition and showed up in Detroit ill-prepared for his rookie season. And while his play got better over the years, his attitude never really did. I understand people who don't want Hock. And hey, I think the pick is better spent on a pass rusher if the right one is there. My only point is Detroit can't eliminate an entire position group from its board based on what happened during another regime a half-decade ago, and especially when that position is among its biggest needs.)(3-5-19):  https://expo.mlive.com/sports/g66l-2019/03/1402076a367787/why-tj-hockenson-should-be-in-play-for-the-lions-and-other-combine-thoughts.html

Winners and losers from 2019 NFL scouting combine (Iowa players (especially the tight ends) – Most teams felt that Hawkeyes TEs T.J. Hockenson and Noah Fant were two of the best at their position, worthy of first-round consideration entering the combine. But Fant’s exceptional athletic testing (position-best numbers in the 40, the vertical jump and the broad jump) and Hockenson’s strong overall work solidify that. S Amani Hooker and DE Anthony Nelson also had impressive showings. It’s a reminder that year in and year out Iowa produces NFL talent that typically exceeds expectations.) (3-5-19):   https://sports.yahoo.com/winners-and-losers-from-2019-nfl-scouting-combine-182808792.html

WalterFootball.com: 2019 NFL Combine Stock Report - Tight Ends (Up - Hockenson:  Noah Fant stole the show at the combine, but his teammate, T.J. Hockenson, also performed very well. His 40 wasn't as good (4.70), but he had a 10-foot-3 broad jump, a 37.5-inch vertical and a 7.02 3-cone time. All of those numbers are great for a 251-pound tight end. Hockenson, the better player of the two Iowa tight ends, could be chosen in the top 20.) (3-5-19):   http://walterfootball.com/combine2019stockTE.php

2019 NFL Scouting Combine Team: Top offensive prospects (Noah Fant and T.J. Hockenson, Iowa (Best team fits: Buffalo Bills, Green Bay Packers, Jacksonville Jaguars, New England Patriots, Oakland Raiders, Tennessee Titans.) - Analysis: Fant looked like a 249-pound wideout on the field in Indy. He led the group with a 4.5 40, 39 1/2-inch vertical, 10-7 broad jump and 6.81 three-cone drill at 6-4, 249 pounds. Fant did all that after finishing among the tight end leaders the previous day with 20 reps of 225 pounds in the bench press. Hockenson's numbers almost seem pedestrian against Fant's, but most other tight ends would kill for a 4.7 40, 37 1/2-inch vertical, 10-3 broad and 7.02 three-cone. Looks as though Iowa will be the first school to have two tight ends picked in the top 50 selections.) (3-4-19):  http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001021009/article/2019-nfl-scouting-combine-team-top-offensive-prospects

2019 NFL Scouting Combine: Twelve numbers that matter most (4.18 seconds:  Iowa Football produced two exceptional tight end performances at the combine, but T.J. Hockenson's 4.18-second short shuttle really got my attention. Hockenson is my highest-projected tight end in this class, and his combine results helped reinforce the strengths displayed on his college film. One of my favorite notes about him: 47 percent of his 760 receiving yards came after the catch.) (3-4-19):  http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001021021/article/2019-nfl-scouting-combine-twelve-numbers-that-matter-most

Winners and losers from the NFL Combine: Why D.K. Metcalf actually hurt his draft stock (Noah Fant, TE, Iowa:  He and former teammate T.J. Hockenson may have played themselves into the top 15 picks of the draft. Their athleticism was superior to everyone else at their position — as is their tape. Fant, however, isn’t as versatile as Hockenson, a gifted blocker. Therefore Fant needed to display his tremendous athleticism, which will make him a lethal pass-catcher. Mission accomplished and stock improved.) (3-4-19):  https://ftw.usatoday.com/2019/03/nfl-combine-winners-losers

Good news for Lions: Combine performances validate depth of TE class (Heading the list is T.J. Hockenson, the Iowa standout and Mackey Award winner from last season. A realistic option to draw the Lions' interest with the No. 8 pick, he showcased both his passion for the game and humility while speaking to the media and well-above-average athleticism during the on-field drills. "I think being a versatile tight end is something special, especially now," Hockenson said. "Being able to flex out, being able to be in a three-point (stance), being able to do all of it is something I pride myself on being able to do, and something I want to continue to do, and continue to try to get better at. I feel like my best football is yet to come."  The only tight end who had a better combine performance than Hockenson was college teammate Noah Fant.  While not considered as good of a blocker as Hockenson, Fant is the more athletic option of the two.) (3-3-19):  https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2019/03/03/good-news-detroit-lions-combine-performances-validate-depth-tight-end-class/3039381002/

COMBINE NEWS AND NOTES: DAY 4 (Iowa Tight Ends Perform to Form
As we were still rubbing the sleep from our eyes and pouring our coffee -- the Pacific Time Zone giveth and it taketh away -- Iowa TE Noah Fant was busy running the 40-yard dash in 4.50 seconds as he made good on months (years, really) of hyped athleticism. That was the best run by any tight end in Indianapolis. He and UCLA’s Caleb Wilson (4.56 seconds) were the only tight ends to get in under 4.60 seconds on the 40. That was far from the end of Fant’s day, though, as he also led the position group in the vertical jump (39.5 inches), broad jump (127 inches) and three-cone drill (6.81 seconds) while finishing third in the 20-yard shuttle with a run of 4.22 seconds. Unlike with Boykin, where the transcendent performance in Indianapolis came as a shock to the system, this is exactly what we thought we’d see out of Fant.  His Hawkeyes tight end buddy T.J. Hockenson isn’t bad himself. Hock can’t match Fant in terms of straight-line wheels -- he went 4.70 seconds in the 40 -- but finished bridesmaid to Fant in the vertical and broad jumps as well as the three-cone drill. It will be fascinating to see which player ultimately ends up drafted first. Hockenson has gained more and more steam since the fall (we’ll credit colleague Thor Nystrom for sniffing this one out well before the crowd), and his athletic numbers coupled with his ability as a blocker should seal the deal, theoretically. But NFL teams fall in love with speed. They just do.) (3-3-19):   https://www.rotoworld.com/article/all-star-circuit/combine-news-and-notes-day-4

NFL Hot Press: Teams Like the Depth at Safety and Tight End in the 2019 NFL Draft (At tight end, Iowa's T.J. Hockenson is a consensus first-round pick, but he is the only tight end who is a clear cut first-rounder for this year. Iowa's Noah Fant was getting lots of media acclaim after his combine workout, but off-the-field issues are hurting Fant's draft grade with teams. Thus, multiple team sources say they are projecting Fant to the second round. After Hockenson, there are some evaluators who like the potential of tight ends like Alabama's Irv Smith Jr, UCLA's Caleb Wilson, San Jose State's Josh Oliver, Washington's Drew Sample and San Diego State's Kahale Warring.):  http://walterfootball.com/nflhotpress/article/Teams-Like-the-Depth-at-Tight-End-and-Safety-in-the-2019-NFL-Draft

2019 NFL Scouting Combine: TE winners, losers from Saturday (Winners - Iowa TE:  Iowa tight ends Noah Fant and T.J. Hockenson were one of the most buzzed-about athletes heading into the NFL Scouting Combine. Fant, who has seemed to not get as much love after Hockenson dethroned him for the top dog, was undoubtably the more superior player on Saturday.  Fant ran a 4.5 second 40-yard dash, vertical leap of 39.5 inches, broad jump of 10 feet, 7 inches and 3-cone drill of 6.81 seconds, which all marked as the best among the group. And he even repped 225 pounds 20 times, showcasing his strength.  At 6-foot-4, 249 pounds, Fant was terrific during the on-field drills, illustrating speed, body control and soft hands to track nearly every ball thrown his way.  Meanwhile, Hockenson finished second behind his former teammate in the short shuttle (4.23), 3-cone (7.02), vertical (37.5″), and broad jump (10’3″). His hands during drills were good as advertised on film, and his best trait as a blocker stood out, as he showed sound form and aggressiveness in the blocking drill.) (3-2-19):  https://draftwire.usatoday.com/2019/03/02/2019-nfl-draft-scouting-combine-winners-losers-tight-end/

2019 NFL combine results: D.K. Metcalf steals the show, Drew Lock and Noah Fant shine at workouts (Tight end takeaways - Iowa's other tight end in this draft, T.J. Hockenson, had a solid day, and while he didn't leap off the screen running a 4.70-second 40, he showed how complete a prospect he is in the blocking drills and gave no reason to move him off the No. 1 spot at the position. He's the kind of guy who looks more impressive in pads than shorts, anyway.) (3-2-19):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2019-nfl-combine-results-d-k-metcalf-steals-the-show-drew-lock-and-noah-fant-shine-at-workouts/

TIM AND MIKE: Combine Day 3 observations (Friendly competition: Iowa tight ends T.J. Hockenson and Noah Fant are trying to become first tight end teammates to both get drafted in the first round. Fant said Friday there’s a friendly competition between the two, and he wanted to be the first tight end off the board. Most consider Hockenson the better overall prospect, but Fant turned heads Saturday running a 4.50-second 40-yard dash at 6-foot-5 and 243 pounds. Hockenson ran 4.70. Fant had a 39.5-inch vertical. Hockenson was 37.5. In all, there were 12 tight ends who ran the 40 in under 4.75 seconds. – Tim Twentyman) (3-2-19):  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/tim-and-mike-combine-day-3-observations

Lions meet with first-round tight end prospects T.J. Hockenson, Noah Fant (3-2-19):   https://www.mlive.com/lions/2019/03/lions-meet-with-first-round-tight-end-prospects-tj-hockenson-noah-fant.html

Saturday's 2019 Combine winners: Tight ends (T.J. Hockenson, Iowa:  Everything looks easy for Hockenson and showed he can do it all. He could be challenged by Fant for the top spot in the class if a team is targeting a move tight, but Hockenson is a rare bread of player and should go in the top half of round one — maybe even the top-10.) (3-2-19):  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2019/03/02/saturdays-2019-combine-winners-tight-ends/

Lions show interest in both Iowa tight ends at the combine (3-1-19):  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2019/03/01/detroit-lions-t-j-hockenson-noah-fant-nfl-scouting-combine/

Iowa tight ends T.J. Hockenson and Noah Fant could both go in first round (3-1-19):  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/iowa-tight-ends-t-j-hockenson-noah-fant-could-both-go-in-first-round

Iowa TEs Hockenson, Fant head loaded class. Will Lions bite? (3-1-19):   https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2019/03/01/nfl-combine-iowa-tight-ends-could-draw-detroit-lions-attention/3034689002/

Four Teams Say T.J. Hockenson Will Be Chosen in the 20s (2-28-19):  http://walterfootball.com/nflhotpress/article/Four-Teams-Say-TJ-Hockenson-Will-Be-Chosen-in-the-20s

2019 NFL Combine Day 1: What we've heard about the Lions (With college playbooks being spread concepts, athletic tight ends are becoming more and more weapons deployed in the passing game and not utilized as frequently as blockers. With limited blocking reps, Quinn mentioned that scouts have to use a lot of projecting to determine skill levels, but there are still some schools that utilize tight ends inline as blockers.  One of those schools is Iowa.  Iowa’s use of Hockenson in traditional NFL tight ends sets makes for easier evaluation and there’s not much projection that is needed in scouting his game. Hockenson will be in the NFL what he was at Iowa — and frankly, he excelled at Iowa.) (2-27-19):  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2019/02/27/2019-nfl-combine-day-1-what-weve-heard-lions/

T.J. Hockenson among non-QBs Jaguars should watch at combine (TE T.J. Hockenson, Iowa:  He’s regarded as the most complete tight end in the draft and draft analysts have said he’s similar to New England’s Rob Gronkowski in that regard. Hockenson caught 73 passes for 1,080 yards and nine TDs in total over the past two seasons at Iowa while lining up inside and outside. Tom Coughlin likes bigger tight ends who can block, and though Hockenson isn’t that big at 250 pounds, he did show at Iowa that he’s a quality blocker. The Jaguars need major help at this position and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see them sign a free agent and still make this position a priority. Kiper had Hockenson going eighth to Detroit in his latest mock draft, so one pick higher isn’t a reach.) (2-26-19):   http://www.espn.com/blog/jacksonville-jaguars/post/_/id/26748/t-j-hockenson-among-non-qbs-jaguars-should-watch-at-nfl-combine

NFL Draft 2019: A big board of the top 25 Lions targets entering the combine (8. TJ Hockenson, TE, Iowa:  The sight of a tight end so high might make some cringe after the experiments with Brandon Pettigrew and Eric Ebron. I get it. But it's the biggest weakness on the roster, and here lies a player who brings everything the Lions need. T.J. Hockenson's film is so fun, from the way he powers through run blocks into the end zone to how he shakes defenders in man coverage to how he'll leap a defender or carry a pile in the open field. I'm curious to see where his strength is, because the athleticism and tools are certainly there.) (2-26-19):  https://expo.mlive.com/sports/g66l-2019/02/25732221735574/nfl-draft-2019-a-big-board-of-the-top-50-lions-targets-entering-the-combine.html

Could Irv Smith or T.J. Hockenson be answer for Lions at TE? (T.J. Hockenson, TE, Iowa: He’s the one tight end who would make sense at No. 8 for Detroit. If the Lions are serious about bumping up the position, he’d make sense. Hockenson has a profile that can make him both a receiver and a good blocker. He would step in and be Detroit’s top tight end from the second he was drafted.) (2-25-19):   http://www.espn.com/blog/detroit-lions/post/_/id/35185/could-irv-smith-or-t-j-hockenson-be-answer-for-lions-at-te

Previewing the 2019 NFL Combine: Studs, starters and sleepers at Tight End (A First Round Prototype: TJ Hockenson, Iowa - A first down waiting to happen, you might as well call him, “Mr. Automatic.” Hockenson plays beyond the whistle. He would be an all-pro fullback, the fact that he possesses the size to play tight end and can be a receiving threat as well, makes him a blue chip prospect at his position. After an outstanding season, in which he accumulated 760 receiving yards on 49 receptions and six touchdowns, Hockenson was awarded with the 2018 John Mackey Award as top tight end in the nation. He also took home the Ozzie Newsome Award and First-Team All-American honors. The way he is able to be used is an offensive coordinators dream. He can play inline, he can play outside, h-back, fullback and is a mismatch for linebackers or safeties. He’s a banger; big time blocks and train wreck collisions coming at you. An exceptional blocker who does a nice job of seeking out his targets in the second level and holding his blocks on the seal. He puts emphasis on getting proper positioning. Possesses great size, above average athleticism and certified toughness. It wouldn’t be surprising to see Hockenson go in the top ten.) (2-24-19):   https://footballmaven.io/nfldraftscout/combine/previewing-the-2019-nfl-combine-studs-starters-and-sleepers-at-tight-end-5hux3Ctl7UKCjJ6MmoFuOQ/

Who and what to watch at the 2019 NFL Combine: Tight End (T.J. Hockenson, Iowa (Suggested by: Sonja Greenfield):  As complete a prospect at tight end as there has been in the last several drafts, Hockenson has elite blocking skills, above-average athleticism, sure hands and is a matchup problem for both linebackers and safeties. The biggest question surrounding Hockenson at the Combine will be, can he solidify himself as a top-10 selection, or will he land in the teens as has been the trend with the top-tier tight ends recently.) (2-23-19):  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2019/02/23/who-what-watch-2019-nfl-combine-tight-end/

Five tight ends for Lions to watch at NFL Combine (1. T.J. Hockenson, Iowa. Without a doubt, Hockenson is the best prospect likely to be in the class, and the Lions have to find out whether or not he is worth a first round pick. This is a big period for Hockenson to prove his worth to the Lions and other teams. Would the Lions take him with the No. 8 pick? Some think so, but the path to that cannot happen without a good if not elite Combine on the field. It will be interesting to see if he is the whole package as many people say he is.) (2-21-19):  https://247sports.com/nfl/detroit-lions/Article/NFL-Combine-Lions-tight-ends-to-watch-129341554/

NFL combine 2019: Lions could draft a TE in the first round, but options abound (T.J. Hockenson, Iowa:  The Lions are the only team to use a top-10 pick on a tight end in the last 12 years. Would they really do it again? Well ESPN's Mel Kiper thinks so, and NFL Network's Charlie Casserly too. And they probably won't be the only ones by the time draft season is over. Detroit might not have a more barren position group than tight end, and Hockenson is the best this class has to offer. He caught 49 passes for 760 yards and six touchdowns last season. That's good production, and it's great production when you consider he had to split time with fellow first-round prospect Noah Fant.   Oh, and have I mentioned he might also be the best blocker in this class? Who knows if Hockenson will become as good as Rob Gronkowski, but he sure looks like he's cut from the same cloth. Detroit might not have the luxury of spending another top-10 pick on a tight end, but there's no doubt this guy fits what they're trying to do, and that match is picking up a lot of momentum nationally.) (2-20-19):  https://www.mlive.com/expo/sports/g66l-2019/02/2f8b14d83d3362/tj-hockensontodetroit-is-picking-up-steam-but-there-are-plenty-of-te-options.html

Mel Kiper: T.J. Hockenson would be a different TE than Eric Ebron (2-19-19):  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2019/02/mel-kiper-tj-hockenson-would-be-a-different-te-than-eric-ebron.html

NFL draft 2019: Lions take Iowa TE T.J. Hockenson in Mel Kiper's latest mock draft (2-18-19):   https://www.mlive.com/lions/2019/02/nfl-draft-2019-lions-take-iowa-te-tj-hockenson-in-mel-kipers-latest-mock.html

With Lions in need of TE, another mock draft slots Hockenson to Detroit
Lions (2-18-19):  https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2019/02/18/another-nfl-mock-draft-slots-t-j-hockenson-detroit-lions/2904004002/

2019 Combine Preview: Tight end (T.J. HOCKENSON - Best trait: Overall game. He’s fluid in the passing game and might be the best blocking tight end to come into the league in a long time. He’s a plug and play tight end in all phases of the game and in all schemes.  Concern: He’ll continue to fill out in an NFL weight program, but there are few holes in his game.  Skinny: Hockenson won the John Mackey Award as the nation's top tight end with 49 catches for 760 yards (15.5 average) and six touchdowns this past season. He’s good.) (2-18-19):  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/2019-combine-preview-tight-end

2019 NFL Draft: Ranking all 16 tight ends to know, from T.J. Hockenson to Tommy Sweeney (1. Hockenson:  Hockenson is a destroyer of worlds as a blocker, a dynamic athlete, a pass-catcher with natural ball skills, and the ability to high point the football. I'm interested to see his weigh-in at the combine. If he's around 6-foot-4 and more than 240 pounds, an important box will be checked.) (2-14-19):   https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2019-nfl-draft-ranking-all-16-tight-ends-to-know-from-t-j-hockenson-to-tommy-sweeney/

2019 NFL Draft Stock - Post-Senior Bowl II (Up -  TJ Hockenson: Hockenson is another prospect who has received a lot of media hype. The Iowa tight end is well-rounded player who can contribute as a run blocker as well as a passing mismatch weapon. There have even been some projections of Hockenson going as top-10 pick. While he may not go that high, he enters the combine as the top tight end prospect.) (2-12-19):   http://walterfootball.com/draft2019stock_21.php

13 prospects who should blow up the 2019 NFL Scouting Combine (Hockenson:  Hawkeye teammate Noah Fant got the majority of the spotlight leading up to the 2018 season, but Hockenson’s campaign allowed him to steal a good chunk of it. There’s a lot to his game that makes him a well-rounded tight end. His size, speed, leaping ability and pure athleticism makes it easy to book him as a winner of this event.) (2-8-19):   https://draftwire.usatoday.com/2019/02/08/2019-nfl-draft-scouting-combine-top-prospects-kyler-murray-ed-oliver-rashan-gary/13/

Why Iowa TE T.J. Hockenson makes so much sense for Packers (2-7-19):  https://packerswire.usatoday.com/2019/02/07/why-iowa-te-t-j-hockenson-makes-so-much-sense-for-packers/

Draft them or sign them? How the Lions will address tight end (T.J. Hockenson is being pegged as the most complete tight end to come out for the draft in quite some time. Coming out of Iowa, he is a true plug-and-play player for any team. He can run routes, catch contested balls, has excellent hands, and an effective blocker. He will probably be the first tight end to come off the board come draft day. The question will be is Lions pick too high to draft him?) (2-7-19):  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2019/02/07/draft-them-or-sign-them-how-the-lions-will-address-tight-end/

Iowa TE T.J. Hockenson declares for draft, possible Lions target (1-16-19):  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2019/01/16/iowa-te-t-j-hockenson-declares-for-draft-possible-lions-target/

2019 NFL Draft: Iowa's T.J. Hockenson is destroyer of worlds as a blocker, dynamic pass-catcher (1-15-19):   https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2019-nfl-draft-iowas-t-j-hockenson-is-destroyer-of-worlds-as-a-blocker-dynamic-pass-catcher/

10 tight ends the Detroit Lions could target in NFL draft (TJ Hockenson:  Fant and Hockenson were a potent duo this season and Iowa is losing both to the NFL. Hockenson, a redshirt sophomore, had 49 receptions for a team-high 760 yards along with six touchdowns before announcing Monday he was leaving for the draft. He won the John Mackey Award as the nation's top tight end. Kiper listed him as the No. 5 tight end available.) (1-15-19):  https://expo.mlive.com/sports/g66l-2019/01/ee42c994041180/10-tight-ends-the-detroit-lions-could-target-in-nfl-draft.html

Pro Football Focus - The 101 best players in college football from 2018 (99.  Hockenson:  Hockenson received very little of the preseason hype due to his own teammate in Noah Fant. However, Hockenson outdid his comrade in overall grade, receiving grade and run-blocking grade. In total, he finished top 10 at the position in overall grade, receiving grade and yards per route run.) (1-9-19):  https://www.profootballfocus.com/news/college-top-101-best-college-football-players-in-2018

Prospect preview: the best matchup in every New Years Day bowl game (Outback Bowl: Mississippi State vs. Iowa (Noon ET, ESPN2) - Key matchup: Montez Sweat (EDGE, MSU, 6-6, 246) vs. T.J. Hockenson (TE, Iowa, 6-4, 250, redshirt sophomore): Ok, I’m cheating here a bit as they players will only occasionally matchup when Hockenson stays in to block Sweat — who led the SEC in sacks with 10.5 — but when they collide it will be a contest worthy of NFL scouts time.  Sweat has the height and length for the Lions down defensive end position but his weight may be an issue. Scouts will be evaluating if he can add weight and improve his run defense.  This season’s John Mackey Award winner for the top tight end in the nation, Hockenson is a balanced tight end who excels as a blocker but is also a weapon in the passing game. He has not yet announced his decision on if he will declare for the draft or return to school.  Hockenson and his teammate Noah Fant (TE, Iowa, 6-5, 240) — who has declared for the draft and is electing to sit out this game — are arguably the top two tight ends in the draft. Fant is a freaky athlete who can stretch the field and is a matchup problem up the seam. Both should be selected in the top-50 picks.) (1-1-19):  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2019/01/01/prospect-preview-the-best-matchup-in-every-new-years-day-bowl-game/

Outback Bowl: 2019 NFL Draft prospects to watch in Mississippi State vs. Iowa bowl game (Iowa - T.J. Hockenson, TE:  Hockenson, not Fant, won the John Mackey Award this year as the nation's top tight end. A ferocious blocker with insane leg churn once he locks on, Hockenson can dominate at times in the trenches but also possesses top-level speed for the tight end spot and can come down with the ball with coverage draped on him. The 6-5, 250 pound versatile tight end is a fluid athlete who can beat press at the line and change directions fluidly while running a route and after the catch. He's only a redshirt sophomore but is already 21 years old, and there's some legitimate buzz about him declaring. If he did, he'd probably go somewhere in the second or third round. Hockenson's film was that impressive in 2018, when he averaged 15.6 yards per grab on 46 receptions.) (12-31-19):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/outback-bowl-2019-nfl-draft-prospects-to-watch-in-mississippi-state-vs-iowa-bowl-game/

Dwayne Haskins finishes 2018 strong, stands out on PFF's All-Big Ten selections (TIGHT END - First Team: TJ Hockenson, Iowa - Hockenson’s 2.26 yards per route run ranked sixth nationally among tight ends with at least 50 targets.) (12-3-18):  https://www.profootballfocus.com/news/college-haskins-stands-out-2018-all-b1g-selections

Risers and Sliders -- Week 8 (Risers - T.J. Hockenson/TE/Iowa: When the topic turns to Hawkeyes tight ends, the name Noah Fant is usually the first one uttered, but Hockenson has outplayed his teammate in recent weeks. While Fant has been good, Hockenson has shown great improvement and is shoulder to shoulder with his teammate. He finished the Maryland game on Saturday with three receptions for 30 yards after four receptions for 107 yards the prior week against Indiana. Fant is still rated higher on our board, but Hockenson is a legitimate next-level prospect who will be drafted much earlier than people presently predict.) (10-22-18):   http://draftanalyst.com/risers-sliders-week-8

Iowa executes brilliant trick play for 4th-down TD vs. Minnesota (10-6-18):  https://ftw.usatoday.com/2018/10/iowa-football-minnesota-trick-play-fake-field-goal-new-kirk-ferentz-video-hockenson

Video:

Iowa tight end T.J. Hockenson's 2019 NFL Scouting Combine workout:  https://www.detroitlions.com/video/iowa-tight-end-t-j-hockenson-s-2019-nfl-scouting-combine-workout

Is T.J. Hockenson the next Gronk?:  http://www.espn.com/espnw/video/26363898/is-tj-hockenson-gronk

Pro Football Focus prospect profile: Grading T.J. Hockenson:   http://www.nfl.com/videos/pff/0ap3000001027424/PFF-prospect-profile-Grading-T-J-Hockenson