Nashville, TN — April 25, 2019
Holding the 8th pick in the first round of the NFL Draft you would expect to come away with a quality player with that selection. The Detroit Lions believe they landed one of the best skill position players in this year’s draft class. T.J. Hockenson, Iowa Hawkeyes’ tight end is coming to the Motor City. Hockenson is 6’5” and 251 lbs, that’s a big target for Matthew Stafford.
2018 Statistics
Last year at Iowa, Hockenson caught 49 passes for an average of 15.5 yards per catch and six touchdowns. His blocking abilities make him a four-down player. At the scouting combine, he ran a 4.70 40-yard dash and displayed a 37.5-inch vertical jump. Scouts say he plays faster than his dash time indicates and his strength shows during battles in the trenches.
The Lions have the 11th pick in the 2nd round of the draft which affords them an opportunity to select another solid player from the top ranks of this year’s prospects.
Michigan Players Selected in the First Round of the NFL Draft
The Wolverines saw the Pittsburg Steelers trade up to select U of M linebacker Devin Bush with the 10th pick of the draft. Chosen as Big Ten Defensive Player of the year and Big 10 Linebacker of the year for 2018. He was the first Michigan collegiate player selected. Bush’s father Devin Bush Sr., was a first-round pick by the Rams back in the 2000 NFL Draft.
University of Michigan defensive end Rashan Gary was the 12 player selected in the draft. He was picked by the Green Bay Packers where he is expected to play as a linebacker.
No Michigan State Spartans were chosen in Thursday’s 1st round. The Draft continues through Saturday with seven rounds of picks for the 32 clubs in the NFL.
