Without tight end T.J. Hockenson, Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff would not have posted three passing touchdowns in three drives during Saturday’s 11-on-11 scrimmage at Ford Field.
Lions coach Dan Campbell knows this.
So does Darren Fells, the No. 2 tight end.
“In my mind, he’s one of the top tight ends in the NFL,” Fells said after the “Family Fest” event ahead of the preseason opener next week. “He can make big plays when called upon. Great blocker, as well. I feel when he’s next to me, there’s no weakness in there. I’ve been places where you don’t know what you’re going to get.
“With Hockenson, you know exactly what you’re getting.”
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Hockenson, 24, earned 2020 Pro Bowl honors a season after being the No. 8 overall pick in the 2019 draft, so it’s not surprising that Fells called him one of the best tight ends in the NFL.
Still, long-term development is important, maybe more important than wins in 2021.
But if the Lions want to show their competitive side in the rebuilding process, Hockenson and Goff must be on the same page. The 6-foot-5, 247-pound tight end caught 67 passes for 723 yards and six touchdowns in 2020.
“He’s a great dude,” Hockenson said about Goff in late July. “Love hanging out with him. I think just building that rapport throughout the offseason, throughout training camp is huge for both of us. But just being able to be friends off the field helps, you know? Just being able to talk different situations, different coverages and just seeing what our guys are doing.”
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They connected for a pair of touchdowns in Saturday’s scrimmage. The first was a 6-yard score on the first possession; the second came during a two-minute drill, which Goff finished by throwing a 5-yard strike to Hockenson, who is clearly evolving into his top target.
Another big target should help, too.
Fells, a 6-7, 270-pound tight end, said Goff has exceeded his expectations and showcased his willingness to be “very vocal.” They connected numerous times Saturday, including a 25-yard reception to tee up Hockenson’s first touchdown.
“He’s been one of those leaders,” Fells, 35, said about Goff. “He’s taken control of his offense. Obviously, with a new offense, it takes a little bit of time to get adjusted with team calls and everything like that. He’s adjusted extremely well.”
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Fells played 32 games for the Houston Texans in the past two seasons, after making stops with the Arizona Cardinals (2014-16), Lions (2017) and Cleveland Browns (2018). In Houston, he posted 55 receptions for 653 yards and 11 touchdowns over two years. He is known for his blocking and red-zone success.
The Lions signed Fells in May.
He is one of many fresh faces trying to fit into a new offense, which revolves around Hockenson, Goff, running back D’Andre Swift and what could be one of the best offensive lines with Frank Ragnow, Taylor Decker, Jonah Jackson and 20-year-old Penei Sewell, the No. 7 overall selection in the 2021 draft.
“Chemistry is the biggest thing,” Fells said. “It depends on how comfortable you feel with your teammates and how cohesive you can be. I feel like this offense has a lot of guys who trust each other and rely on each other, which builds that chemistry.”
Evan Petzold is a sports reporter at the Detroit Free Press. Contact him at epetzold@freepress.com or follow him on Twitter @EvanPetzold.