TJ Hockenson will need to buck trends to be productive as a rookie

Detroit Lions first-round pick TJ Hockenson will have to buck historical trends in order to have a productive rookie season as a receiver.

Not every tight end in the NFL is going to contribute at the level of a Rob Gronkowski or George Kittle, but for rookie tight ends, it’s especially tough to make an impact.

The Detroit Lions not only drafted Iowa tight end TJ Hockenson with their first-round pick in 2019, but they also signed veteran Jesse James in free agency.

Hockenson may not see the lion’s share of targets (pun fully intended) among tight ends in Detroit’s passing game, but even if he does, the historical production of rookie tight ends is quite low.

Last season, Mark Andrews led all rookie tight ends with 552 receiving yards. Chris Herndon led all rookie tight ends with 39 receptions.

In 2017, Evan Engram had a big year as far as rookie tight ends are concerned, catching 64 passes for 722 yards and six touchdowns, all of which led that position.

In 2016, Chargers rookie Hunter Henry was the only rookie tight end in the league with 20 or more receptions (36).

Will Tye led all rookie tight ends in catches and yards in 2015, and Jace Amaro led the 2014 class with 38 catches for 345 yards.

It’s safe to say that history has not been kind to tight ends in their rookie seasons (aside from 2017) which means that Hockenson — along with his former Iowa teammate Noah Fant — is going to have to buck historical trends in order to make a big impact on the Lions’ passing game in year one.

He’s certainly capable of making a big impact overall. Hockenson is one of the best blocking tight ends you will see coming out of college.

The pressure of being a top 10 NFL Draft pick affects every player differently, but Hockenson is such a smart player who consistently did his job so well, I don’t think it will be an overwhelming transition for him.

Iowa prepares their players exceptionally well, and Hockenson proved this past season he’s ready for the pros.

The question now becomes whether he will struggle to produce in his rookie season as a receiver or if the Lions will unleash him and do whatever they need to in order to get the ball in his hands.