Reports: Former Iowa TE T.J. Hockenson poised for breakout season with Detroit Lions
Former Iowa tight end T.J. Hockenson is entering his third NFL season, and he’s been impressive so far during training camp.
Multiple reports from Detroit Lions beat writers and other media this week have singled out Hockenson as the Lions’ top offensive weapon.
Detroit is entering a transition period after moving on from longtime QB Matthew Stafford this offseason, but Hockenson could provide a bit of stability.
Here’s some of the chatter about Hockenson’s workouts at training camp so far:
Takeaways from @Lions:
• TJ Hockenson – THE player to watch out for. He & Goff have a lot of chemistry
• Penei Sewell is everything you thought he’d be & more- Offensive line is stacked.
• Dan Campbell is building something special in Detroit. Rooting for their success.
— Taylor Bisciotti (@TaylorBisciotti) July 31, 2021
TJ Hockenson is very good. That’s it. That’s the tweet.
— Dannie Rogers (@dannierogers___) July 31, 2021
On TE TJ Hockenson– has to be able to block but can be a real mismatch in the pass game.
— Dannie Rogers (@dannierogers___) July 31, 2021
The Lions are also excited about his potential partnership with new quarterback Jared Goff, who has never had a tight end of Hockenson’s caliber:
Dan Campbell on TJ Hockenson chemistry with Jared Goff:
“That’s one thing he’s not had. A good receiving tight end.”
Make sure to say it’s no disrespect to Tyler Higbee
— Kory Woods (@KoryEWoods) July 31, 2021
Campbell said he’s really seen a rapport being built between QB Jared Goff and Pro-Bowl TE T.J. Hockenson.
— Tim Twentyman (@ttwentyman) July 31, 2021
So far in his career, Hockenson has been solid but has yet to establish himself as one of the best tight ends in the NFL. Last season, he caught 67 passes for 723 yards and six touchdowns. He received 101 targets from Stafford while playing in a heavy passing offense.
Hockeson was a first round pick back in the 2019 NFL Draft, going No. 8 overall.
If Hockenson can make another leap in 2021, he could be recognized as one of the league’s elite TE’s alongside fellow former Hawkeye George Kittle.
