Prior to the 2019 NFL Draft, many analysts pointed to Iowa tight end T.J. Hockenson as an ideal fit for the Detroit Lions. But considering the Lions possessed the eighth overall selection in the first round combined with their trouble draft history taking tight ends that high, it seemed unlikely the team would make that bold choice.
Yet, when Detroit’s number was called, general manager Bob Quinn and second-year head coach Matt Patricia opted to ignore the team’s draft mistakes of the past and select the player whom they believed helped them the most. And that turned out to be Hockenson.