T.J.

Hockenson

His volume has helped him rank as a top-four fantasy tight end in each of the past two seasons. He is consistently running 33-34 routes a game with a high target rate, leading to great cumulative stats. His target share, yards per route run and PFF receiving grade all increased last season.

Hockenson would be at least a top-eight fantasy tight end this season if it weren’t for ACL and MCL tears he suffered in Week 16 last season. He’s currently on the physically unable to perform list. He is reportedly ahead of schedule but isn’t expected to be ready by Week 1. Once he returns, he might not be the same player. We might not reach a point all season where Hockenson can play at the same level.

Hockenson is typically a top-five tight end, but the Vikings' quarterback change could push him just outside the top five. Hockenson’s injury makes it hard to count on him to be a fantasy starter this season, since we won’t know how good he will be. He is the perfect player to draft if you are waiting for a tight end, and he can be paired with another tight end ranked outside the top eight.