Today’s mailbag segment talks about the importance of tight end T.J. Hockenson and wide receiver D.J. Chark stepping up for the Lions on Sunday versus the Seahawks.

Also included in this mailbag are the 2023 draft needs for the Lions heading into year three of general manager Brad Holmes‘ regime.

T.J. Hockenson Must Get More Targets

Tight end T.J. Hockenson is a big weapon for the Lions’ offense. However, this season, he has barely been targeted and has not been the game-changer he should be.

Hockenson has the tools to be one of the best tight ends in football, yet this season, the production has been poor.

Dose Of Dion 2.0 on Hockenson (1:17)

“His blocking is getting better, I think.”

DoseOfDion2.0 continues, “It’s always been up and down; it is always going to be up and down I think as a tight end. You’re never going to rely on him like locking up a defensive end, and the pass-catching, it hasn’t been great to start the year.”

D.J. Chark Must Get More Targets

Regarding wide receiver D.J. Chark, it is the same situation as with Hockenson: low production. The Lions signed Chark to a one-year ten-million-dollar deal with the expectation he could take the top off of defenses. In three games, Chark has been a disappointment.

Injuries are mounting to the top targets for quarterback Jared Goff; it is time for Chark to take advantage of this opportunity and be more involved on offense.

Dose Of Dion 2.0 on D.J. Chark (0:48)

“It just feels like we haven’t been able to get that one shot to him, but at the same time, I don’t think he has been bad. I don’t think he has been bad for us; I just think he has missed just by a little bit on a couple of shots.”

Lions 2023 Draft Needs

The Detroit Lions’ roster needs a lot of work, and a great way to acquire more talent is through the NFL draft.

Currently, the most significant needs for the Lions are primarily on defense. The Lions’ defense now ranks thirty-one in total defense, which shows on the field. The Lions should look to upgrade the defensive tackle position early in the draft and help bulk the middle of the defense.

Linebacker is also a significant need for Detroit since linebacker Alex Anzalone is on a one-year deal, linebacker Derrick Barnes has regressed from last season, and the only other starter at linebacker is rookie sixth-round pick, Malcolm Rodriguez.

Finally, the Lions’ secondary could use a boost by upgrading the number two cornerback position and depth at the safety position. The Lions could also look towards drafting a quarterback to groom for the future.

Dose Of Dion 2.0 on drafting a defensive tackle and cornerback (11:15)

“I would think defensive tackle or cornerback. I love Alim, I love what he is doing, Buggs would be great for rotation, and if Levi does not play, I think you’ve got to look in that area.”

DoseOfDion2.0 continues, “Or get a cornerback across from Okuda, knowing Amani is not going to be under contract.”