Many mock drafts have the Lions picking T.J. Hockenson-TE-Iowa tonight.Ghosts of Ebron fill my brain. Big difference is T.J. can block. We will see! #detroitlions #Draft2019 pic.twitter.com/rpc0nU9xCe
— MoheganPEguy (@MoheganPEguy) April 25, 2019Hockenson absolutely manhandled that Indiana defender, showing off his knack for blocking downfield. A lot of people on social media are giving the former Hawkeye his due credit for his blocking skills.
Watch Hockenson block and watch Ebron block and thus permanently end the comparison
— Travis Mulhauser (@slangjive) April 26, 2019Jimmy Graham and Hockenson are different players. Hockenson can actually block and is REALLY good at it. He's a complete TE. I would have loved to trade down and still get Hock but that wasn't a possibility or they probably would have:)
— Matt Randazzo (@MattRandazzo) April 26, 2019To block the way they Hockenson can while being a huge asset in the passing game is not something you see every day. Hockenson's ability to block while being a weapon in the passing game opens up both facets. His ability to do both opens up the run game in short yardage 2/4
— Detroit Sports Fan (@thee__captain) April 26, 2019Many fans have been quick to criticize the Lions for drafting a tight end at No. 8, especially considering that Houston DT Ed Oliver, Michigan's Devin Bush and Rashan Gary, as well as a handful of other players that could have made an immediate impact on Detroit's defensive unit, were still on the board. And yes, the comparisons have already been made to 2014 draft pick Eric Ebron, who was quick to troll on Twitter.
Perhaps Hockenson's blocking ability was a major selling point for Lions general manager Bob Quinn, but what else does he bring to the table?
While the jury is still out on Quinn's latest draft pick, it at least appears that Hockenson is a pretty solid tight end all around.
