Summary

T.J. Hockenson was selected in the 1st Round (#8 Overall) in the 2019 Draft out of University of Iowa. Hockenson is a modern‑style tight end with excellent receiving skills, reliable blocking ability, and proven production. His biggest strengths lie in his versatility, body control, and ability to contribute in both facets of the offense. His main caution flags are his recent significant injury, slightly less explosive speed compared to the very fastest players at the position, and the need to ensure he continues to dominate contested or physically demanding scenarios. If he continues to improve and stays healthy, he offers a high ceiling; if setbacks occur, his floor remains strong.

Strengths

T.J. Hockenson brings a number of high‑level traits to his team:

• Versatility and blocking ability: One of his standout traits even in college was his ability to block effectively in both run and pass settings. He was described as “almost like an extra offensive lineman” in his early scouting report. WalterFootball

• Receiving skills / route‑running / body control: He shows very good hands, body awareness, ability to make tough catches (especially in traffic or over the middle), and can work across the seams. Bleacher Report

• Catch‑and‑run after the catch: He has shown ability to gain yards after the catch, using his size and balance to break tackles or pick up extra‑yardage when given room. WalterFootball

• Production in the NFL: In 2023, he had a breakout season (95 catches, 960 yards, five touchdowns) before suffering a serious knee injury. Footballguys

• Mismatches and seam‑threat: His height + athleticism make him a difficult matchup for linebackers and many safeties. Also versatile enough to line up in‑line or flexed out. CBS Sports

Weaknesses

While Hockenson has many positive attributes, there are several areas where he has limitations or room for growth:

• Not elite deep speed / explosiveness: While athletic, his 40‑yard dash and timed drills were solid but not elite compared to the fastest tight ends or WRs. Scouts noted he may lack that top‑tier burner speed. WalterFootball

• Durability / recent injury history: He suffered a torn ACL and MCL in December 2023 and missed significant time. In 2024, his production dipped (41 receptions for 455 yards, zero touchdowns) while recovering. Footballguys

• Build / strength nuance: Some evaluations early on noted he could add more mass/functional strength to dominate blocks or engage more powerfully in run schemes. CBS Sports

• Consistency of high‑end big plays / contested catches: While good at many aspects, there are still times when he’s not consistently dominating defenders in contested catch situations the way some elite tight ends do. FantasyPros

Fit & Outlook

T.J. Hockenson is well‑suited for offenses that use the tight end as a multi‑dimensional weapon: both as a reliable receiving option and as a contributor in the blocking game. Given his skill set, he can thrive in systems that:

• Utilize tight ends heavily in the middle of the field, seams, and use them in blocking/running schemes.

• Provide a strong supporting cast at receiver so he isn’t the only option, which allows him to exploit mismatches rather than being over‑exposed.

• Give him the time and scheme to fully heal and regain his pre‑injury form.

Going forward: If healthy and productive, Hockenson has the potential to be among the better tight ends in the league (high TE1). If his physical limitations or injury recovery lag, he may remain a very good tight end but possibly not at the absolute elite top tier.