The 2019 NFL Draft is in the books, and the Lions are coming away with nine new players.
General manager Bob Quinn was true to his word about not ruling out a tight end in the first round, selecting T.J. Hockenson with the eighth overall pick Thursday night.
"We felt really, really good about that," Quinn said of drafting Hockenson. "He's a guy we targeted early in the process. A three-down, four-down player. That a big part of our offense going forward.
"He really checked every box we had in terms of the evaluation process."
Hockenson is thrilled to begin his NFL journey, and can't wait to get to work in Detroit.
"Isn't that cool?" Hockenson said Friday, when asked about starting his NFL career. "I mean, really ... I get to play football for a living. That's the best feeling in the world.
"There's no words to describe it."
FULL LIONS 2019 DRAFT RECAP
Tight end T.J. Hockenson
Selected in the first round, 8th overall.
Linebacker Jahlani Tavai
Selected in the second round, 43rd overall.
Safety Will Harris
Selected in the third round, 81st overall.
Defensive end Austin Bryant
Selected in the fourth round, 117th overall.
Cornerback Amani Oruwariye
Selected in the fifth round, 146th overall.
Wide receiver Travis Fulgham
Selected in the sixth round, 184th overall.
Running back Ty Johnson
Selected in the sixth round, 186th overall.
Tight end Isaac Nauta
Selected in the seventh round, 224th overall.
Defensive tackle P.J. Johnson
Selected in the seventh round, 229th overall.
