Offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell said Hockenson could be a "mold breaker" as a rookie, Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press reports.
Specifically, Bevell is referring to the well-publicized tendency for rookie tight ends to struggle in their first season -- presumably due to a steep learning curve that generally involves a combination of learning to block much heavier edge rushers and out-maneuver defensive backs 30-plus pounds lighter. After getting an initial look at Hockenson during the first few weeks of offseason practices, Bevell apparently believes the No. 8 overall pick is already skilled enough as both a blocker and receiver to buck that trend. Hockenson's performance at Iowa last year coupled with his pre-draft workout numbers certainly support that notion. The bigger issue for Hockenson is likely the presence of Jesse James, who signed a lucrative four-year, $22.6 million contract with the Lions earlier in the offseason and could also have a large role in Bevell's offense in 2019.