Make no mistake, Anthony Lynn was enthusiastic about T.J. Hockenson from the jump. When Lynn arrived as offensive coordinator of the Lions this offseason, he said Hockenson's "ceiling is even higher" than Pro Bowls.
But you can only glean so much from the film.
"I liked what I saw on tape," Lynn said at the time. "He’s a good football player."
Now that Lynn has seen Hockenson in person, now that he's seen the former eighth overall pick run routes and catch passes and generally dominate his matchups during OTA's, his eyes are growing wider.
"I have to be honest with you," Lynn said prior to practice Thursday. "Watching the tape last year I thought he was a good tight end. But getting him here in person and just being around the young man, I think the sky is the limit for him. I think he can be a matchup nightmare.
"I love the way he’s working right now, his work ethic off the charts. But just his explosion, his route savvy, his ability to get open and read coverages, it’s been really good, really impressive."
Hockenson is poised to do big things in 2021. Bigger than he did in 2020 when he finished third among tight ends in yards, fourth in receptions and ninth in touchdowns to make the Pro Bowl. To crack the elite at his position, he's been studying film of Travis Kelce, George Kittle and Darren Waller.
And of Calvin Johnson, because why not.
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At the end of last season, Lions tight ends coach Ben Johnson gave Hockenson a handful of things to sharpen in the offseason. Things like getting off the ball and coming out of his breaks. A little extra precision can go a long way. Sounds like Hockenson did his work.
Lynn already liked what he saw, and now he's loving what he sees.