T.J. Hockenson reacts to being picked by the Lions, and explains why he wore Lion King socks to the draft in Nashville, Tenn. on April 25, 2019. Chris Thomas, Detroit Free Press
"That's the right guy," Lions coach Matt Patricia said in nodding approval after the Lions made T.J. Hockenson the No. 8 pick in Thursday's NFL draft.
The Lions posted video on social media Friday of the phone call general manager Bob Quinn made to Hockenson to let him know he was going to be the team's first-round choice.
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Quinn asked Hockenson if he wanted to be a Lion, passed the phone to Patricia, who said he was "very excited" to have the Iowa tight end on board, and after Lions owner Martha Firestone Ford got off the phone with Hockenson, Patricia congratulated the room to applause all around.