The Lions struggled at times last season with getting consistent production from the tight end position.
If the first two days of training camp are any indication, Lions fans can expect more from the position heading into 2019.
Rookie first-round pick T.J. Hockenson has made a number of terrific grabs the first two days of camp, especially in the end zone, but he hasn't been alone in that regard. Jesse James has made plays, Logan Thomas has made plays, and even seventh-round pick Isaac Nauta has gotten in on the action.
The noticeably improved play from the tight end position has been one of the early storylines in camp.
"We're all just trying to have fun out here,'' Hockenson said after Friday's practice. "I'm just trying to have fun playing the game I love, and being able to do it with these guys just means a lot. This group of veterans have all taken (us) in really well and accepted me as part of this team and I'm super excited to get started."
Fans attending training camp have to be excited by what they've seen from Hockenson so far. Even his teammates were hooting and hollering a bit as the touchdown catches racked up Friday.
Detroit's tight ends accounted for just 13 percent (43) of the team's catches last season, and the offense simply didn't get the big plays down the seam, after the catch, or in the red zone from the position.
Detroit ranked 30th in red zone passing last season with a team passing rating of just 78.4. The Lions have been working a lot in the red zone the first two days of training camp. Hockenson and Co. have made a lot of plays in those drills.
"I want to do whatever I can to help this team," Hockenson said. "I think we all do. That's what I'm trying to do every single day. Come out here and do my best in order to be a part of this team."
Both head coach Matt Patricia and tight ends coach Chris White have commented about the chemistry in the tight end room and the willingness of the older guys like James, Thomas and Jerome Cunningham to work with the young guys and show them the ropes. It's made for a terrific learning environment, and Hockenson credits it with helping his early acclimation into the league.
It's been a welcomed sight to see this group of tight ends making the kinds of plays we've been seeing early in camp. It adds a whole new dimension to the offense, which James explained this offseason.
View photos from Day 2 of 2019 Detroit Lions Training Camp presented by Rocket Mortgage.
Detroit Lions offensive lineman Frank Ragnow (77) walks out with a helmet handoff participant on Day 2 of 2019 Detroit Lions Training Camp presented by Rocket Mortgage on Friday, July 26, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions cornerback Jamal Agnew (39) walks out to practice on Day 2 of 2019 Detroit Lions Training Camp presented by Rocket Mortgage on Friday, July 26, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Character Coach / Team Development Dylan Thompson and Detroit Lions wide receiver Kenny Golladay (19) during Day 2 of 2019 Detroit Lions Training Camp presented by Rocket Mortgage on Friday, July 26, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions cornerback Justin Coleman (27) gets ready for practice on Day 2 of 2019 Detroit Lions Training Camp presented by Rocket Mortgage on Friday, July 26, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Danny Amendola (80) stretches on Day 2 of 2019 Detroit Lions Training Camp presented by Rocket Mortgage on Friday, July 26, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive back Quandre Diggs (28) stretches during Day 2 of 2019 Detroit Lions Training Camp presented by Rocket Mortgage on Friday, July 26, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Marvin Jones Jr. (11) during Day 2 of 2019 Detroit Lions Training Camp presented by Rocket Mortgage on Friday, July 26, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Kerryon Johnson (33) during Day 2 of 2019 Detroit Lions Training Camp presented by Rocket Mortgage on Friday, July 26, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions tight end T.J. Hockenson (88) catches a touchdown pass during Day 2 of 2019 Detroit Lions Training Camp presented by Rocket Mortgage on Friday, July 26, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions tight end Isaac Nauta (89) catches a touchdown pass during Day 2 of 2019 Detroit Lions Training Camp presented by Rocket Mortgage on Friday, July 26, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker Jarrad Davis (40) during Day 2 of 2019 Detroit Lions Training Camp presented by Rocket Mortgage on Friday, July 26, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions cornerback Teez Tabor (31) during Day 2 of 2019 Detroit Lions Training Camp presented by Rocket Mortgage on Friday, July 26, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions guard Kenny Wiggins (79) during Day 2 of 2019 Detroit Lions Training Camp presented by Rocket Mortgage on Friday, July 26, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Tom Savage (3) during Day 2 of 2019 Detroit Lions Training Camp presented by Rocket Mortgage on Friday, July 26, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions offensive lineman Oday Aboushi (76) cools off during Day 2 of 2019 Detroit Lions Training Camp presented by Rocket Mortgage on Friday, July 26, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback David Fales (8) during Day 2 of 2019 Detroit Lions Training Camp presented by Rocket Mortgage on Friday, July 26, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions safety Tavon Wilson (32) during Day 2 of 2019 Detroit Lions Training Camp presented by Rocket Mortgage on Friday, July 26, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Fans watch Day 2 of 2019 Detroit Lions Training Camp presented by Rocket Mortgage on Friday, July 26, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions cornerback Teez Tabor (31) during Day 2 of 2019 Detroit Lions Training Camp presented by Rocket Mortgage on Friday, July 26, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions kicker Matt Prater (5) during Day 2 of 2019 Detroit Lions Training Camp presented by Rocket Mortgage on Friday, July 26, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Kerryon Johnson (33) during Day 2 of 2019 Detroit Lions Training Camp presented by Rocket Mortgage on Friday, July 26, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Ty Johnson (38) during Day 2 of 2019 Detroit Lions Training Camp presented by Rocket Mortgage on Friday, July 26, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions safety Charles Washington (45) returns an interception during Day 2 of 2019 Detroit Lions Training Camp presented by Rocket Mortgage on Friday, July 26, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Former Detroit Lions wide receiver Herman Moore and Former Detroit Lions tackle Lomas Brown talk with Detroit Lions executive vice president & general manager Bob Quinn during Day 2 of 2019 Detroit Lions Training Camp presented by Rocket Mortgage on Friday, July 26, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback David Fales (8) during Day 2 of 2019 Detroit Lions Training Camp presented by Rocket Mortgage on Friday, July 26, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive back Quandre Diggs (28) during Day 2 of 2019 Detroit Lions Training Camp presented by Rocket Mortgage on Friday, July 26, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions safety Charles Washington (45) during Day 2 of 2019 Detroit Lions Training Camp presented by Rocket Mortgage on Friday, July 26, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Tom Savage (3) during Day 2 of 2019 Detroit Lions Training Camp presented by Rocket Mortgage on Friday, July 26, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions cornerback Rashaan Melvin (29) during Day 2 of 2019 Detroit Lions Training Camp presented by Rocket Mortgage on Friday, July 26, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions offensive lineman Frank Ragnow (77) and Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) at the line of scrimmage during Day 2 of 2019 Detroit Lions Training Camp presented by Rocket Mortgage on Friday, July 26, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions fullback Nick Bawden (46) during Day 2 of 2019 Detroit Lions Training Camp presented by Rocket Mortgage on Friday, July 26, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions offensive lineman Tyrell Crosby (65) during Day 2 of 2019 Detroit Lions Training Camp presented by Rocket Mortgage on Friday, July 26, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions tackle Taylor Decker (68) during Day 2 of 2019 Detroit Lions Training Camp presented by Rocket Mortgage on Friday, July 26, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Marvin Jones Jr. (11) during Day 2 of 2019 Detroit Lions Training Camp presented by Rocket Mortgage on Friday, July 26, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions tight end T.J. Hockenson (88) during Day 2 of 2019 Detroit Lions Training Camp presented by Rocket Mortgage on Friday, July 26, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions kicker Matt Prater (5) and Detroit Lions punter Sam Martin (6) during Day 2 of 2019 Detroit Lions Training Camp presented by Rocket Mortgage on Friday, July 26, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions tight end T.J. Hockenson (88) smiles during Day 2 of 2019 Detroit Lions Training Camp presented by Rocket Mortgage on Friday, July 26, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive end Austin Bryant (94) during Day 2 of 2019 Detroit Lions Training Camp presented by Rocket Mortgage on Friday, July 26, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Danny Amendola (80) and Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) during Day 2 of 2019 Detroit Lions Training Camp presented by Rocket Mortgage on Friday, July 26, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) during Day 2 of 2019 Detroit Lions Training Camp presented by Rocket Mortgage on Friday, July 26, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions offensive lineman Frank Ragnow (77) during Day 2 of 2019 Detroit Lions Training Camp presented by Rocket Mortgage on Friday, July 26, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions tackle Taylor Decker (68) during Day 2 of 2019 Detroit Lions Training Camp presented by Rocket Mortgage on Friday, July 26, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions cornerback Amani Oruwariye (46) during Day 2 of 2019 Detroit Lions Training Camp presented by Rocket Mortgage on Friday, July 26, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) smiles during Day 2 of 2019 Detroit Lions Training Camp presented by Rocket Mortgage on Friday, July 26, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) throws a pass to Detroit Lions wide receiver Kenny Golladay (19) during Day 2 of 2019 Detroit Lions Training Camp presented by Rocket Mortgage on Friday, July 26, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Tom Savage (3) during Day 2 of 2019 Detroit Lions Training Camp presented by Rocket Mortgage on Friday, July 26, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Brandon Powell (10) smiles during Day 2 of 2019 Detroit Lions Training Camp presented by Rocket Mortgage on Friday, July 26, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) during Day 2 of 2019 Detroit Lions Training Camp presented by Rocket Mortgage on Friday, July 26, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions cornerback Andre Chachere (36) breaks up a pass during Day 2 of 2019 Detroit Lions Training Camp presented by Rocket Mortgage on Friday, July 26, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) during Day 2 of 2019 Detroit Lions Training Camp presented by Rocket Mortgage on Friday, July 26, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions safety Andrew Adams (24) during Day 2 of 2019 Detroit Lions Training Camp presented by Rocket Mortgage on Friday, July 26, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions center/guard Graham Glasgow (60) during Day 2 of 2019 Detroit Lions Training Camp presented by Rocket Mortgage on Friday, July 26, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions tight end T.J. Hockenson (88) during Day 2 of 2019 Detroit Lions Training Camp presented by Rocket Mortgage on Friday, July 26, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Kerryon Johnson (33) during Day 2 of 2019 Detroit Lions Training Camp presented by Rocket Mortgage on Friday, July 26, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Marvin Jones Jr. (11) and Detroit Lions wide receiver Kenny Golladay (19) during Day 2 of 2019 Detroit Lions Training Camp presented by Rocket Mortgage on Friday, July 26, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions safety C.J. Moore (49) breaks up a pass during Day 2 of 2019 Detroit Lions Training Camp presented by Rocket Mortgage on Friday, July 26, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Travis Fulgham (84) during Day 2 of 2019 Detroit Lions Training Camp presented by Rocket Mortgage on Friday, July 26, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterbacks during Day 2 of 2019 Detroit Lions Training Camp presented by Rocket Mortgage on Friday, July 26, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions tight end T.J. Hockenson (88) during Day 2 of 2019 Detroit Lions Training Camp presented by Rocket Mortgage on Friday, July 26, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Kenny Golladay (19) makes a one-handed catch during Day 2 of 2019 Detroit Lions Training Camp presented by Rocket Mortgage on Friday, July 26, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Kenny Golladay (19) during Day 2 of 2019 Detroit Lions Training Camp presented by Rocket Mortgage on Friday, July 26, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Kerryon Johnson (33) during Day 2 of 2019 Detroit Lions Training Camp presented by Rocket Mortgage on Friday, July 26, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) during Day 2 of 2019 Detroit Lions Training Camp presented by Rocket Mortgage on Friday, July 26, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive back Quandre Diggs (28) during Day 2 of 2019 Detroit Lions Training Camp presented by Rocket Mortgage on Friday, July 26, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions tight end T.J. Hockenson (88) walks off the field following Day 2 of 2019 Detroit Lions Training Camp presented by Rocket Mortgage on Friday, July 26, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive back Quandre Diggs (28) walks off the field following Day 2 of 2019 Detroit Lions Training Camp presented by Rocket Mortgage on Friday, July 26, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker Jarrad Davis (40) meets Inspire Change scholarship recipients following Day 2 of 2019 Detroit Lions Training Camp presented by Rocket Mortgage on Friday, July 26, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions head coach Matt Patricia meets visitors from TAPS (Tragedy Assistance Program For Survivors) following Day 2 of 2019 Detroit Lions Training Camp presented by Rocket Mortgage on Friday, July 26, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Miles Killebrew meets visitors from TAPS (Tragedy Assistance Program For Survivors) following Day 2 of 2019 Detroit Lions Training Camp presented by Rocket Mortgage on Friday, July 26, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions head coach Matt Patricia meets visitors from TAPS (Tragedy Assistance Program For Survivors) following Day 2 of 2019 Detroit Lions Training Camp presented by Rocket Mortgage on Friday, July 26, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions head coach Matt Patricia takes a photo with military members following Day 2 of 2019 Detroit Lions Training Camp presented by Rocket Mortgage on Friday, July 26, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Matthew Stafford and Devon Kennard take a photo with visitors from TAPS (Tragedy Assistance Program For Survivors) following Day 2 of 2019 Detroit Lions Training Camp presented by Rocket Mortgage on Friday, July 26, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions head coach Matt Patricia takes a photo with Inspire Change scholarship recipients following Day 2 of 2019 Detroit Lions Training Camp presented by Rocket Mortgage on Friday, July 26, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions cornerback Teez Tabor (31) meets Inspire Change scholarship recipients following Day 2 of 2019 Detroit Lions Training Camp presented by Rocket Mortgage on Friday, July 26, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions kicker Matt Prater (5) signs autographs for military members following Day 2 of 2019 Detroit Lions Training Camp presented by Rocket Mortgage on Friday, July 26, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker Jarrad Davis (40) walks off the field with Detroit Lions defensive end Romeo Okwara (95) following Day 2 of 2019 Detroit Lions Training Camp presented by Rocket Mortgage on Friday, July 26, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions head coach Matt Patricia visits with military members following Day 2 of 2019 Detroit Lions Training Camp presented by Rocket Mortgage on Friday, July 26, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive end Trey Flowers (90) meets Inspire Change scholarship recipients following Day 2 of 2019 Detroit Lions Training Camp presented by Rocket Mortgage on Friday, July 26, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions head coach Matt Patricia meets visitors from TAPS (Tragedy Assistance Program For Survivors) following Day 2 of 2019 Detroit Lions Training Camp presented by Rocket Mortgage on Friday, July 26, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker Devon Kennard (42) signs autographs for visitors from TAPS (Tragedy Assistance Program For Survivors) following Day 2 of 2019 Detroit Lions Training Camp presented by Rocket Mortgage on Friday, July 26, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Miles Killebrew and Kenny Golladay with Inspire Change scholarship recipients following Day 2 of 2019 Detroit Lions Training Camp presented by Rocket Mortgage on Friday, July 26, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions cornerback Teez Tabor (31) meets Inspire Change scholarship recipients following Day 2 of 2019 Detroit Lions Training Camp presented by Rocket Mortgage on Friday, July 26, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive back Quandre Diggs (28) meets Inspire Change scholarship recipients following Day 2 of 2019 Detroit Lions Training Camp presented by Rocket Mortgage on Friday, July 26, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
"It's a huge advantage if you have two guys you're confident in," James said of potentially seeing more two tight end sets. "If you have two guys who can go out there and catch the ball, you can stretch the defense a little different than most teams do.
"It's definitely an advantage if you can get two guys out there that you're confident in and can do some different things with – run the ball and pass the ball."
We're seeing early on how this crop of tight ends can stress a defense, even a pretty veteran defense like Detroit's, especially in the red zone.
It's very early into camp, so no solid conclusions can be made just yet, but the Lions' tight ends have been terrific across the board through the first two days of training camp.
