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Iowa makes NFL Draft history with Hockenson, Fant picked in first round
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Iowa’s tradition of producing NFL-caliber tight ends continues, but this time the Hawkeyes made a little history in the process.
Both T.J. Hockenson and Noah Fant were selected in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft on Thursday — Hockenson going No. 8 to Detroit and Fant selected No. 20 to Denver. It’s the first time in the history of the NFL Draft that two tight ends from one team have been selected in the first round.
Kirk Ferentz was already pretty well-known for producing NFL tight ends, but things just got taken to an entirely new level.
Hockenson and Fant ranked No. 1 and No. 2 in receiving yardage for the Hawkeyes last year, with Hockenson leading the way with 760 yards on 49 receptions. Fant and 519 yards on 39 catches.
Fant led the way with touchdown catches with seven while Hockenson had six.
Hockenson was named the winner of the John Mackey Award at the end of the 2018 season, becoming the second Hawkeye to win the award. Dallas Clark also received the honor following the 2002 season.
The Hawkeyes have made NFL Draft history. And Ferentz probably isn’t done producing NFL-caliber tight ends just yet.
Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB