In a recent mock draft at NFL.com, with the 23rd overall pick it has the Houston Texans passing at offensive tackle and cornerback.
Things get a little exciting this time of year as the Houston Texans are focusing on the 2019 NFL Draft, and all over the internet there are mock drafts to be read, dissected, judged and praised.
As for NFL Media analyst Daniel Jeremiah of NFL.com he had the reigning AFC South champions looking not at offensive line or cornerback in round one, but at tight end.
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Jeremiah has the Texans selecting Iowa Hawkeyes redshirt sophomore T.J. Hockenson with the 23rd overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft. That is a pick that would be repairing what is a weak spot in the offense at tight end.
Jeremiah in his NFL.com mock draft wrote this of Hockerson in his report on the potential newest Texans tight end:
"“The Texans need to do a better job of protecting Deshaun Watson. Hockenson will help improve the run game and he’ll provide some easy completions for the QB.”"
That does solve some problems for the Texans offense, but it really doesn’t say very much about the player himself. At the 2019 NFL Combine, Hockenson ran a 4.7 40-yard dash, and for those interested in other combine numbers, those included 17 reps at bench press, 37.5-inch vertical jump, 123-inch broad jump 7.02 3-Cone Drill, a 4.18 in the 20-yard shuttle and a 11.55 time in the 60-yard shuttle.
NFL Analyst Lance Zierlein of NFL.com wrote the following in his draft profile of Hockenson as Zierlein lists his NFL comparison of Hockenson as Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs:
"“Hockenson is an ascending talent with a chance to become one of the best all-around tight ends in the game. He should continue to fill out his athletic frame, but he’s already a sound in-line blocker with the toughness to sustain and finish.”"
While playing in the Big Ten Conference during his collegiate career, Hockenson, in two seasons of game time (23 games ), totaled 73 receptions for 1,080 yards and nine touchdowns. He also averaged 14.8 yards per reception in his career.
Hockenson this past season with Iowa played in13 games where he had his best collegiate season with 49 receptions for 760 yards and six touchdown receptions, averaging 15.5 yards per reception. He also had one rush for a 4-yard touchdown this past season.
Hockenson also won the 2018 John Mackey Award for being the Most Outstanding Tight End in college football. He was also eighth in the Big Ten this past season with his 760 receiving yards.
The more I’ve read and watch of Hockenson the more I’m impressed with his game. The Texans could move to this direction, especially if they believe he can be the next Kelce and live up to the draft profile. That said, I still keeping going back to the offensive line as a way to use the first round pick too. Either way, it will be a tough decision for the Texans front office.
Though being the next Kelce is a huge endeavor, if Hockenson can play up to the level many believe he can in the NFL, the Texans might finally to find their long-term replacement to Owen Daniels as the franchise has tried, but haven’t been able to do so since his departure from the team a few years ago.
What are your thoughts on Hockenson? Let us know at the Toro Times.