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NFL Mock Draft 2.0: Redskins end up with a first-round quarterback, go defense in Round 2

By Jacob Camenker

NORMAN, OK - NOVEMBER 10: Quarterback Kyler Murray #1 of the Oklahoma Sooners looks to throw against the Oklahoma State Cowboys at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on November 10, 2018 in Norman, Oklahoma. Oklahoma defeated Oklahoma State 48-47. (Photo by Brett Deering/Getty Images)
NORMAN, OK - NOVEMBER 10: Quarterback Kyler Murray #1 of the Oklahoma Sooners looks to throw against the Oklahoma State Cowboys at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on November 10, 2018 in Norman, Oklahoma. Oklahoma defeated Oklahoma State 48-47. (Photo by Brett Deering/Getty Images) /
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BLOOMINGTON, IN – OCTOBER 13: T.J. Hockenson #38 of the Iowa Hawkeyes runs for a touchdown against the Indiana Hossiers at Memorial Stadium on October 13, 2018 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
BLOOMINGTON, IN – OCTOBER 13: T.J. Hockenson #38 of the Iowa Hawkeyes runs for a touchdown against the Indiana Hossiers at Memorial Stadium on October 13, 2018 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

player. 47. . Tight End. Iowa. T.J. Hockenson. 32

At this point, it’s unknown whether or not Rob Gronkowski will return for the 2019 season. There have been strong indications that he is at least considering retiring and if the Patriots win the Super Bowl, that may be enough to convince him to ride off into the sunset.

Even if Gronk does return to the team, it’s still worth noting that the team could use a solid TE2 to pair with him. Or even a top tight end to work as his successor. Gronk has struggled with injuries for a long time and he just put up one of his worst seasons in recent memory. Adding a talented player in this deep tight end class would be a smart move, and the Patriots have a few options.

As I see it, there are a few tight ends to consider with this pick. The two Iowa players, Noah Fant and T.J. Hockenson, and Alabama TE Irv Smith Jr. It’s a close race, but for now, I have Hockenson as the player that the Patriots may like the most.

Hockenson was one of the best players on Iowa’s squad last year, and he proved to be a solid red-zone threat who had good blocking ability as well. Hockenson totaled 49 catches, 760 yards, and seven touchdowns even while seeing his teammate, Fant, eat into his target share. Hockenson should be a great pro and might be the ideal successor to Gronk. It will certainly be interesting to see which tight ends Bill Belichick is interested in during the draft process.

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