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T.J. Hockenson 2019 Outlook: A Roar for 2020 and Beyond
6 years agoT.J. Hockenson going number eight to the Detroit Lions was one of the easiest calls of the NFL draft in 2019. They love tight ends and they are consistently over drafting them. But in this case, it may not be a reach.
Not the pure athlete of teammate Noah Fant, who went to Denver at pick 20, Hockenson is a better long-term prospect. While Fant is clearly a pass catcher in the vein of Evan Engram or Jimmy Graham, Hockenson is the total package. At 6’5 and 250 pounds, he is a big target who will demand coverage in the red zone, but he is also a ferocious blocker who will clean out your sinuses in the run and pass blocking game.
With Detroit looking to become more run-heavy with Kerryon Johnson, T.J. Hockenson will be asked to block a lot his rookie season, much like O.J. Howard was in Tampa Bay. This by no means will limit his career path as players like the above-mentioned Howard and Rob Gronkowski made their bones in the same manner. But what it will do is limit his production as a fantasy asset in year one. With Marvin Jones Jr. back healthy, the receivers surrounding Matthew Stafford are pretty solid. Kenny Golladay is a pass catcher lot of people love, and the team also added Danny Amendola, as well as tight end Jesse James this offseason.
While not a terrific play for 2019, Hockenson will be valuable in coming years, as his blocking ability will allow him to stay on the field and gain the trust of a still surprisingly young Matthew Stafford in the passing game. It will only be a matter of time until he takes his place among the likes of Howard and Engram as the best young tight ends in the NFL. In redraft leagues, he is a player you will want to shy away from in drafts except in the deepest of tight end premium leagues. As for dynasty leagues, he should be the number one or number two tight end off the board. If you are looking for a contributor from day one, Noah Fant is your man. But if you are looking for a longer career of high production, Hockenson is your man in the first-round of dynasty rookie drafts.
