In 2016, the Iowa Hawkeyes lost a senior tight end to the NFL who would go on to pile up over 1,300 receiving yards and earn a 2nd-team All-Pro selection in 2018.
In 2017, Kittle’s replacement matched Kittle’s production in his rookie campaign and then doubled that production in 2018.
These two tight ends have more than just an alma mater in common. The two have similar body types and playing styles that will probably connect them for the rest of their careers.
Even though the Bengals have re-signed Tyler Eifert to a one-year deal, they could bring in Hockenson to be his replacement, replacing one first-round tight end with another.