2019 NFL Draft: Grades, recaps, and analysis for all 32 teams

1 (8): TJ Hockenson, TE, Iowa
2 (43): Jahlani Tavai, LB, Hawaii
3 (81): Will Harris, DB, Boston College
4 (117): Austin Bryant, DE, Clemson
5 (146): Amani Oruwariye, CB, Penn State
6 (184): Travis Fulgham, WR, Old Dominion
7 (186): Ty Johnson, RB, Maryland
8 (224): Isaac Nauta, TE, Georgia
9 (229): PJ Johnson, DT, Arizona

The Detroit Lions signed Jesse James in free agency and used the 8th overall pick in the NFL Draft on TJ Hockenson out of Iowa.

These two former Big Ten stars should combine to create a lot of problems in the middle of the field and in the red zone for Detroit.

I absolutely love the Hockenson pick, and I’m glad to see the tight end position get some much deserved love on draft night after OJ Howard criminally fell to the 19th slot in 2017.

Hockenson can do it all, and he will do it all, for the Lions.

I am not in love with the Jahlani Tavai pick in round two. I had him as a day three guy, but he will probably prove me wrong and be a longtime starter in Matt Patricia’s defense.

Another year, another third-round defensive back for the Boston College program. I believe that makes at least four in a row with Justin Simmons (2016), John Johnson (2017), Isaac Yiadom (2018), and now Will Harris (2019).

Harris is athletic and a ballhawk for the back end of that Detroit secondary.

Austin Bryant has great length and will be a nice, versatile edge player for Detroit. I thought one of the best day three values in this class was Amani Oruwariye out of Penn State.

The Lions took a shot on yet another tight end late in this draft with Isaac Nauta, another player whose tape was much better than his workouts.

Grade: B