TE T.J. Hockenson, MIN (3 Viewers)

[crushedspirit]

It might just be one of those cases where a WR/TE is underutilized due to the QB or scheme, and a change of scenery is needed. How many times have we all seen this happen? Do people think Kyle Pitts forgot how to be a pass catching TE this year?

 

[Leroy Hoard]

I cannot believe people actually think this is anything but a positive for him. He was completely misused in Detroit. It is an uptick without question.

Dan Campbell, a former Tight End himself before he became Head Coach of the Lions, you're telling everyone he doesn't know how to use a TE in his offense?
The guy worked under Sean Payton for years in New Orleans prior to Detroit
Hock now gets the great Kirk Cousins to throw him passes, you say immediate uptick and Top 5 the rest of the way?

If I say it like that, could you believe people pause for a minute and think about it?
You do say it with conviction though, I want to believe you.

Campbell should still be working under a HC somehwere.

Maybe as a TE coach?

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

Who's the Move TE in DET?

Brock Wright? Anything to see here? He's a big boy - 6'5", 255

The move is to not carry any DET TEs on your fantasy teams.

I don't see that as a particularly good idea considering they play from behind a lot, and Goff does like to target the TE.

Hock's 44+ point game earlier this year says hi.

Game before that Hock had 6 yards, 3 games after 18, 26, 36, yards.

More than half his receptions and yards came in one game. The 80 yarder was a blown coverage, but he will help Minny this season.

You're basically blaming Hockenson for being on the Lions & drawing inference that he isn't good because he's on a bad team with a mediocre QB.

Not sure that's the most logical approach here.

I stated he will help Minny as he is above average pass catcher. Hock is not a good blocker at all like Kelce and Kittle can be when needed.

I watch every Lions game. Hock has good hands, but does not get good separation for his size.

Bottom line is Hock will be a FA after the season and rumor has it that he wants a contract comparable to Kelce and Kittle, Lions had no interest in paying that much. I think his 5th year option is 10 million, not sure how that works now that he was traded.


And yes the Lions are a bad team and a bad organization.

The Vikings did not, and I cannot stress this enough, trade for Hockenson to be a blocker.

This is something we 100% agree on.

One thing I have been thinking about, and perhaps I was being too hard on TJ, is what if he, not instantly, but in a few weeks, moves ahead of Thielen in the pecking order. If that happens top-3 is totally on the table, but that may be unrealistic with Cousins/Thielen chemistry.

It wouldn’t be difficult to do if you’ve seen Thielen play this year.

Another thought is that on the Lions, Hock drew a lot of coverage.

With JJ, Thielen, & Osborn, he’s gonna be running wide open an awful lot, matched up with safeties & LB.

 

[Da Guru]

I cannot believe people actually think this is anything but a positive for him. He was completely misused in Detroit. It is an uptick without question.

Dan Campbell, a former Tight End himself before he became Head Coach of the Lions, you're telling everyone he doesn't know how to use a TE in his offense?
The guy worked under Sean Payton for years in New Orleans prior to Detroit
Hock now gets the great Kirk Cousins to throw him passes, you say immediate uptick and Top 5 the rest of the way?

If I say it like that, could you believe people pause for a minute and think about it?
You do say it with conviction though, I want to believe you.

You think he was used properly? He absolutely can be top 5 the rest of the way. He is going to have the middle of the field wide open. Defenses have to key on Cook, JJ and Adam. Now, I will say he there are more mouths to feed....that could hold him back, but as somebody already mentioned....Vikings didn't bring him there to block.

Was the middle open for the Vikings TEs before the trade?

 

[beef]

Wasn't Irv so supposed to be the wide open target and 1-on-1 mismatch receiver as JJ and Thielen drew all the coverage?

 

[Payne]

I cannot believe people actually think this is anything but a positive for him. He was completely misused in Detroit. It is an uptick without question.

Dan Campbell, a former Tight End himself before he became Head Coach of the Lions, you're telling everyone he doesn't know how to use a TE in his offense?
The guy worked under Sean Payton for years in New Orleans prior to Detroit
Hock now gets the great Kirk Cousins to throw him passes, you say immediate uptick and Top 5 the rest of the way?

If I say it like that, could you believe people pause for a minute and think about it?
You do say it with conviction though, I want to believe you.

You think he was used properly? He absolutely can be top 5 the rest of the way. He is going to have the middle of the field wide open. Defenses have to key on Cook, JJ and Adam. Now, I will say he there are more mouths to feed....that could hold him back, but as somebody already mentioned....Vikings didn't bring him there to block.

Was the middle open for the Vikings TEs before the trade?

Don't think any of them are as talented as Hock. Come on. And we have seen Viking TE's produce before.

 

[BobbyLayne]

Four years in the league

Two (2) 100 yard games

His NFL debut game (2019)

6-131-1

Broke a nearly 60 year record for most yards receiving by a TE in their first game

#2 was WK4 this year (53rd game of his career)

8-179-2

So those 2 games Hockenson had 14-308-3.

The other 45 games he had 172-1760-11. Pretty underwhelming.

Scroll up. It’s been stated over and over it’s bc Detroit has not been properly using him. /s

 

[beef]

I am anxious to see what Wes Phillips can scheme up for Hock and how he gets used in this O. I did have high hopes for Irv under Wes, but Irv has proven only to be weak and often wounded and maybe just a loser in talent too. I am going to keep from having too high of fantasy expectations for Hock though.

 

[VikingFrog]

Wasn't Irv so supposed to be the wide open target and 1-on-1 mismatch receiver as JJ and Thielen drew all the coverage?

Remembering back to the eagles game, he does get wide open, he just drops it.

 

[menobrown]

Sounds like the Lions really miss him.

Dan Campbell says he sees the TJ Hockenson trade as an “opportunity for other guys.” “As good as TJ was, there’s things that we’ll be able to do better potentially having other guys on the field. There is always some of that give and take no matter what player’s out there.”

https://twitter.com/E_Woodyard/status/1587841602155958276

 

[Cjw_55106]

Sounds like the Lions really miss him.

Dan Campbell says he sees the TJ Hockenson trade as an “opportunity for other guys.” “As good as TJ was, there’s things that we’ll be able to do better potentially having other guys on the field. There is always some of that give and take no matter what player’s out there.”

https://twitter.com/E_Woodyard/status/1587841602155958276

Coach speak. I wouldnt put much/any stock in it.

 

[BobbyLayne]

Wasn't Irv so supposed to be the wide open target and 1-on-1 mismatch receiver as JJ and Thielen drew all the coverage?

Remembering back to the eagles game, he does get wide open, he just drops it.

Well stand by bc he’s about to become peak George Kittle.

 

[Biabreakable]

I'm not entirely sure what to expect here and will wait and see.

Watching some of Hockensons highlights I noted that he is good at high pointing the ball, he is taller and longer than Irv Smith.

He was billed as a complete TE coming into the NFL and why he was drafted higher than Fant. Based on some of the comments here though, perhaps his blocking hasn't been a strength at the next level? I'm not sure. The Vikings could use help there.

As far as the deal it seems like a decent price considering how much he will cost to keep on the 5th year option.

This move by the Vikings suggests they have long term plans for him and perhaps they are not so locked in to the 3 WR sets as I have been thinking. They are showing us that the TE position is a priority with the move.

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

Wasn't Irv so supposed to be the wide open target and 1-on-1 mismatch receiver as JJ and Thielen drew all the coverage?

Hock >>>>>>>>> Irv

hope this helps.

 

[BobbyLayne]

Sounds like the Lions really miss him.

Dan Campbell says he sees the TJ Hockenson trade as an “opportunity for other guys.” “As good as TJ was, there’s things that we’ll be able to do better potentially having other guys on the field. There is always some of that give and take no matter what player’s out there.”

https://twitter.com/E_Woodyard/status/1587841602155958276

Coach speak. I wouldnt put much/any stock in it.

We’re on to Green Bay

The full comment was “it’s not personal, it’s a business decision. The way to approach this is there’s more food on the table. More targets for Saint or Kalif or Josh, another carry for Jamaal, more opportunities for Swift.”

Lions have two young TEs in Brock Wright and James Mitchell. Ten game tryouts. Obviously less talent (in theory) but look around - there’s like 2-3 good teams with elite move TEs. Most get by with Day 3 picks with all around skills.

From a roster construction standpoint I’ve never understood why Detroit always wastes 1st round picks on a devalued position. Long view, hope that changes going forward, find reliable (less exoensive) TEs in the 4th and allocate those higher picks to premium impact positions.

 

[menobrown]

Sounds like the Lions really miss him.

Dan Campbell says he sees the TJ Hockenson trade as an “opportunity for other guys.” “As good as TJ was, there’s things that we’ll be able to do better potentially having other guys on the field. There is always some of that give and take no matter what player’s out there.”

https://twitter.com/E_Woodyard/status/1587841602155958276

Coach speak. I wouldnt put much/any stock in it.

What about results?

They went 1-11 with him in the lineup last year and averaged 16.9 points per game.

They went 2-3 without him and averaged over 24 a game and Tim Boyle was the QB in two of those games, both losses.

I know the team played and was coached better at the end of last season so I'm not trying to say Hockenson playing or not was as big of difference as the record and points indicated but I think what Campbell is saying has some merit.

 

[Zeppelin]

Sounds like the Lions really miss him.

Dan Campbell says he sees the TJ Hockenson trade as an “opportunity for other guys.” “As good as TJ was, there’s things that we’ll be able to do better potentially having other guys on the field. There is always some of that give and take no matter what player’s out there.”

https://twitter.com/E_Woodyard/status/1587841602155958276

The main thing they will definitely do better without Hockenson is block.

 

[Cjw_55106]

Sounds like the Lions really miss him.

Dan Campbell says he sees the TJ Hockenson trade as an “opportunity for other guys.” “As good as TJ was, there’s things that we’ll be able to do better potentially having other guys on the field. There is always some of that give and take no matter what player’s out there.”

https://twitter.com/E_Woodyard/status/1587841602155958276

Coach speak. I wouldnt put much/any stock in it.

What about results?

They went 1-11 with him in the lineup last year and averaged 16.9 points per game.

They went 2-3 without him and averaged over 24 a game and Tim Boyle was the QB in two of those games, both losses.

I know the team played and was coached better at the end of last season so I'm not trying to say Hockenson playing or not was as big of difference as the record and points indicated but I think what Campbell is saying has some merit.

Who they played and just as important, when they played them is pretty important, no? Also, 2 wins is a pretty small sample size. But whatever, Im sure the Lions offense will be improved now that he's out. Good for them.

 

[Faust]

New Vikings TE T.J. Hockenson ready to 'win some games': 'The first time I've been able to say that'

 

[jabarony]

Sounds like the Lions really miss him.

Dan Campbell says he sees the TJ Hockenson trade as an “opportunity for other guys.” “As good as TJ was, there’s things that we’ll be able to do better potentially having other guys on the field. There is always some of that give and take no matter what player’s out there.”

https://twitter.com/E_Woodyard/status/1587841602155958276

Coach speak. I wouldnt put much/any stock in it.

We’re on to Green Bay

The full comment was “it’s not personal, it’s a business decision. The way to approach this is there’s more food on the table. More targets for Saint or Kalif or Josh, another carry for Jamaal, more opportunities for Swift.”

Lions have two young TEs in Brock Wright and James Mitchell. Ten game tryouts. Obviously less talent (in theory) but look around - there’s like 2-3 good teams with elite move TEs. Most get by with Day 3 picks with all around skills.

From a roster construction standpoint I’ve never understood why Detroit always wastes 1st round picks on a devalued position. Long view, hope that changes going forward, find reliable (less exoensive) TEs in the 4th and allocate those higher picks to premium impact positions.

Who is the top TE in this year's draft? He'd better start looking for houses in the Detroit area.

 

[travdogg]

Sounds like the Lions really miss him.

Dan Campbell says he sees the TJ Hockenson trade as an “opportunity for other guys.” “As good as TJ was, there’s things that we’ll be able to do better potentially having other guys on the field. There is always some of that give and take no matter what player’s out there.”

https://twitter.com/E_Woodyard/status/1587841602155958276

Coach speak. I wouldnt put much/any stock in it.

We’re on to Green Bay

The full comment was “it’s not personal, it’s a business decision. The way to approach this is there’s more food on the table. More targets for Saint or Kalif or Josh, another carry for Jamaal, more opportunities for Swift.”

Lions have two young TEs in Brock Wright and James Mitchell. Ten game tryouts. Obviously less talent (in theory) but look around - there’s like 2-3 good teams with elite move TEs. Most get by with Day 3 picks with all around skills.

From a roster construction standpoint I’ve never understood why Detroit always wastes 1st round picks on a devalued position. Long view, hope that changes going forward, find reliable (less exoensive) TEs in the 4th and allocate those higher picks to premium impact positions.

Who is the top TE in this year's draft? He'd better start looking for houses in the Detroit area.

Don't put that evil on Michael Mayer.

 

[BobbyLayne]

Sounds like the Lions really miss him.

Dan Campbell says he sees the TJ Hockenson trade as an “opportunity for other guys.” “As good as TJ was, there’s things that we’ll be able to do better potentially having other guys on the field. There is always some of that give and take no matter what player’s out there.”

https://twitter.com/E_Woodyard/status/1587841602155958276

Coach speak. I wouldnt put much/any stock in it.

We’re on to Green Bay

The full comment was “it’s not personal, it’s a business decision. The way to approach this is there’s more food on the table. More targets for Saint or Kalif or Josh, another carry for Jamaal, more opportunities for Swift.”

Lions have two young TEs in Brock Wright and James Mitchell. Ten game tryouts. Obviously less talent (in theory) but look around - there’s like 2-3 good teams with elite move TEs. Most get by with Day 3 picks with all around skills.

From a roster construction standpoint I’ve never understood why Detroit always wastes 1st round picks on a devalued position. Long view, hope that changes going forward, find reliable (less exoensive) TEs in the 4th and allocate those higher picks to premium impact positions.

Who is the top TE in this year's draft? He'd better start looking for houses in the Detroit area.

Don't put that evil on Michael Mayer.

Georgia has two good TEs rn

Hoping Lions don't put a premium on it, though - get a QB and then nothing but defensive players, please. PLEASE.

 

[menobrown]

Who is the top TE in this year's draft? He'd better start looking for houses in the Detroit area.

I got a feeling the Lions think they already have their TE of the future.

But to answer your question it's a high quality TE draft. Dane Brugler put out his top 50 overall players list this week and as Travdogg indicated he had Mayer at overall player #16 as the top one but TE's also at 22 and 33 overall. That's potentially 3 real NFL first round picks.

 

[BobbyLayne]

Who is the top TE in this year's draft? He'd better start looking for houses in the Detroit area.

I got a feeling the Lions think they already have their TE of the future.

But to answer your question it's a high quality TE draft. Dane Brugler put out his top 50 overall players list this week and as Travdogg indicated he had Mayer at overall player #16 as the top one but TE's also at 22 and 33 overall. That's potentially 3 real NFL first round picks.

The reality for every team is you need 2-3 unsexy TEs who can play inline, H back and Special Teams. Not every offense requires a move TE who plays mostly in the Slot or on the boundary. But everyone needs guys who can block. Not too many unicorns who can do both.

 

[Payne]

Who is the top TE in this year's draft? He'd better start looking for houses in the Detroit area.

I got a feeling the Lions think they already have their TE of the future.

But to answer your question it's a high quality TE draft. Dane Brugler put out his top 50 overall players list this week and as Travdogg indicated he had Mayer at overall player #16 as the top one but TE's also at 22 and 33 overall. That's potentially 3 real NFL first round picks.

And the Lions have two 1st round picks. Lovely.

 

[menobrown]

The reality for every team is you need 2-3 unsexy TEs who can play inline, H back and Special Teams. Not every offense requires a move TE who plays mostly in the Slot or on the boundary. But everyone needs guys who can block. Not too many unicorns who can do both.

And the Lions have two 1st round picks. Lovely.

I don't want to sway to far from Hockenson in this thread but I really am getting a strong sense the Lions like what they have at TE and will be more interested in adding depth then high end picks. I'm thinking they like what Wright has to offer in the blocking and I'm getting a James Robinson post-Fournette cut vibe with James Mitchell, who I think they are quite big on as their move TE- at minimum.

 

[BobbyLayne]

The reality for every team is you need 2-3 unsexy TEs who can play inline, H back and Special Teams. Not every offense requires a move TE who plays mostly in the Slot or on the boundary. But everyone needs guys who can block. Not too many unicorns who can do both.

And the Lions have two 1st round picks. Lovely.

I don't want to sway to far from Hockenson in this thread but I really am getting a strong sense the Lions like what they have at TE and will be more interested in adding depth then high end picks. I'm thinking they like what Wright has to offer in the blocking and I'm getting a James Robinson post-Fournette cut vibe with James Mitchell, who I think they are quite big on as their move TE- at minimum.

I believe Mitchell has all of 20 snaps so far this year, as he missed a good chunk of the first half of the season. Wright will probably dominate snaps. If Cabinda plays (seems likely) he'll get a few touches from FB/H back. I don't think Mitchell sees more than 1-2 targets. Wright put up 4-57 against the Cowboys, which was uber efficient as he only ran 10 routes. Last year with Hock out he ws only seeing like 14 routes run per game, not nearly enough to support decent production. Shane Zylstra s/b strictly inline with zero targets.

Pretty thin at WR, Reynolds is still gimpy and hurting the team with drops. ARSB might see 12-15 targets and they'll send Kalif Raymond deep on a few plays. He's been getting separation but Goof has no ability to go through a progression rn or step up into a pocket (also still has tiny hands that drop footballs easily.)

Hell, Carolina dominated the Bucs after they dealt CMC, maybe Detroit surprises people Sunday. Unlikely but this is the NFL.

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

Who is the top TE in this year's draft? He'd better start looking for houses in the Detroit area.

I got a feeling the Lions think they already have their TE of the future.

But to answer your question it's a high quality TE draft. Dane Brugler put out his top 50 overall players list this week and as Travdogg indicated he had Mayer at overall player #16 as the top one but TE's also at 22 and 33 overall. That's potentially 3 real NFL first round picks.

Mayer is a no-brainer TE1 in the '23 draft. He's often the leading receiver most weeks for ND, and he looks the part. Big, fast, athletic, good routes, good hands.

 

[menobrown]

I believe Mitchell has all of 20 snaps so far this year, as he missed a good chunk of the first half of the season. Wright will probably dominate snap

I know you are a Lions fan and I respect your opinion and insight but I feel pretty strongly that before the season is over no doubt will exist that Mitchell is their starting TE with caveat being if his health holds up.

 

[BobbyLayne]

Back to Hock....

Johnny Mudt can play inline. K.J. Osborn has 5 targets each of the last 3 games, not doing much with his opportunity. Vikings only give significant snaps to three wideouts. Will be interesting to see if they put T.J. in the Slot or on the boundary 35-40% of the time replacing K.J.

In Detroit he had 265 snaps inline, 123 in the slot and 10 out wide. If they want to commit to using him like a Kelce, Andrews, or Pitts on the rare occasion this year when Arthur Smith doesn't have his head up his own ***, they would put him in the slot >50% of the time.

 

[BobbyLayne]

I believe Mitchell has all of 20 snaps so far this year, as he missed a good chunk of the first half of the season. Wright will probably dominate snap

I know you are a Lions fan and I respect your opinion and insight but I feel pretty strongly that before the season is over no doubt will exist that Mitchell is their starting TE with caveat being if his health holds up.

Well that's def the plan. 10 game tryout. Right now his peak is 6 snaps and 2 routes so be patient, wait to see it before you plug him in anywhere.

 

[travdogg]

Who is the top TE in this year's draft? He'd better start looking for houses in the Detroit area.

I got a feeling the Lions think they already have their TE of the future.

But to answer your question it's a high quality TE draft. Dane Brugler put out his top 50 overall players list this week and as Travdogg indicated he had Mayer at overall player #16 as the top one but TE's also at 22 and 33 overall. That's potentially 3 real NFL first round picks.

Mayer is a no-brainer TE1 in the '23 draft. He's often the leading receiver most weeks for ND, and he looks the part. Big, fast, athletic, good routes, good hands.

If Kyle Pitts didn't exist, I'd say Mayer is the best TE prospect since at least 2017.

Back to Hock....

Johnny Mudt can play inline. K.J. Osborn has 5 targets each of the last 3 games, not doing much with his opportunity. Vikings only give significant snaps to three wideouts. Will be interesting to see if they put T.J. in the Slot or on the boundary 35-40% of the time replacing K.J.

In Detroit he had 265 snaps inline, 123 in the slot and 10 out wide. If they want to commit to using him like a Kelce, Andrews, or Pitts on the rare occasion this year when Arthur Smith doesn't have his head up his own ***, they would put him in the slot >50% of the time.

The new Vikings staff doesn't seem to really like Osborn very much. I think they were hoping Reagor would challenge him for the #3 job, and I think its very possible, so much so that I'd probably say its likely, that Hockenson probably spends a lot more time in the slot than he did in Detroit. To be fair, I wouldn't chalk that up to Detroit misusing him as they have one of the best slot WRs in the league, but I would guess that Hockenson spends as much time in the slot as he does inline with Minnesota.

I do have some questions whether Hockenson is a talented enough player to truly make a leap beyond what he has shown so far, but I'm confident the Vikings will give him every chance to do so.

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

If Kyle Pitts didn't exist, I'd say Mayer is the best TE prospect since at least 2017.

I’ve seen quite a bit of him. I absolutely agree.

 

[beef]

Who is the top TE in this year's draft? He'd better start looking for houses in the Detroit area.

I got a feeling the Lions think they already have their TE of the future.

But to answer your question it's a high quality TE draft. Dane Brugler put out his top 50 overall players list this week and as Travdogg indicated he had Mayer at overall player #16 as the top one but TE's also at 22 and 33 overall. That's potentially 3 real NFL first round picks.

Mayer is a no-brainer TE1 in the '23 draft. He's often the leading receiver most weeks for ND, and he looks the part. Big, fast, athletic, good routes, good hands.

Oh yeah. He'll make a lot of dudes drool at the combine when he shows off his stuff too.

 

[Wildcat]

Anyone feel confident enough to start him this week? He is ranked highly this week by FBG. Personally, I think it might be too soon for him to be comfortable in this offense and I am considering fading him in favor of Gesicki

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

Anyone feel confident enough to start him this week? He is ranked highly this week by FBG. Personally, I think it might be too soon for him to be comfortable in this offense and I am considering fading him in favor of Gesicki

I’m starting him but only for lack of better options. And if he has a surprise 20+ I’d kick myself if he was on my bench.
Always start your studs.

 

[foxco]

I’m starting him but only for lack of better options. And if he has a surprise 20+ I’d kick myself if he was on my bench.
Always start your studs.

Is Hock a stud though? I have him in multiple leagues and more often than not I feel like I've been disappointed. Am I starting him this week? I guess, but not overly enthusiastic about it.

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

I’m starting him but only for lack of better options. And if he has a surprise 20+ I’d kick myself if he was on my bench.
Always start your studs.

Is Hock a stud though? I have him in multiple leagues and more often than not I feel like I've been disappointed. Am I starting him this week? I guess, but not overly enthusiastic about it.

He is of my choices.

 

[travdogg]

Anyone feel confident enough to start him this week? He is ranked highly this week by FBG. Personally, I think it might be too soon for him to be comfortable in this offense and I am considering fading him in favor of Gesicki

Personally, I'd be relatively confident starting him. TE is a position where all it takes is a TD to be viable, and I could certainly see the Vikings wanting to get him going right away. Even just learning the playbook, there aren't 10 TE's I'd start over him.

 

[BroncoFreak_2K3]

I can see Cousins keying on Hockenson for checkdowns a lot in games going further this season. Great weapon for Capt. Kirk.

 

[smcindoe]

Anyone feel confident enough to start him this week?

I'm starting with condifence, which is to say hoping for the same six or seven points everyone who doesn't have Kecle or Andrews is trying to get from their tight ends. If I had a better option I'd use him, but I'm not even close.

 

[ratbast]

I’m starting him. Muth on bye. Glad to have both.

 

[BassNBrew]

Anyone feel confident enough to start him this week? He is ranked highly this week by FBG. Personally, I think it might be too soon for him to be comfortable in this offense and I am considering fading him in favor of Gesicki

Personally, I'd be relatively confident starting him. TE is a position where all it takes is a TD to be viable, and I could certainly see the Vikings wanting to get him going right away. Even just learning the playbook, there aren't 10 TE's I'd start over him.

Problem is I also have Engram, Knox, and Pitts.

aka...I never met a free agent TE I didn't like.

 

[travdogg]

Anyone feel confident enough to start him this week? He is ranked highly this week by FBG. Personally, I think it might be too soon for him to be comfortable in this offense and I am considering fading him in favor of Gesicki

Personally, I'd be relatively confident starting him. TE is a position where all it takes is a TD to be viable, and I could certainly see the Vikings wanting to get him going right away. Even just learning the playbook, there aren't 10 TE's I'd start over him.

Problem is I also have Engram, Knox, and Pitts.

aka...I never met a free agent TE I didn't like.

I'd probably go Pitts over him in the hope that last week might be the start of something. I don't think I'd go Engram, Knox, or Gesicki over him.

 

[Da Guru]

Anyone feel confident enough to start him this week? He is ranked highly this week by FBG. Personally, I think it might be too soon for him to be comfortable in this offense and I am considering fading him in favor of Gesicki

"You like That" will give hock a welcome

New Vikings TE T.J. Hockenson ready to 'win some games': 'The first time I've been able to say that'

?? That is factually incorrect Lions beat Washington this year, and had 3 wins last year too!

 

[travdogg]

Anyone feel confident enough to start him this week? He is ranked highly this week by FBG. Personally, I think it might be too soon for him to be comfortable in this offense and I am considering fading him in favor of Gesicki

"You like That" will give hock a welcome

New Vikings TE T.J. Hockenson ready to 'win some games': 'The first time I've been able to say that'

?? That is factually incorrect Lions beat Washington this year, and had 3 wins last year too!

Reading the tea leaves of that statement, I think he means he wasn't expecting to win games in Detroit, like it was a surprise whenever they won, whereas in Minnesota he's expecting to win, and will be surprised when they don't.

 

[ffmail4me]

I'm leaning towards starting him over Gesicki or Conklin...

 

[Da Guru]

I'm leaning towards starting him over Gesicki or Conklin...

Not sure about how many catches Hock will have but I am betting on Fan Duel he will have a TD catch for sure.

First and goal from the one will be a welcome Hock TD.

 

[Faust]

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reports T.J. Hockenson (knee) will be "a key part of the offense" in Week 9 against the Commanders.​

Fowler added, "Team plans to get him in there as much as it can, given the time constraints of the week." Hockenson was acquired by the Vikings at the trade deadline, giving him less than a week to learn the playbook. He isn't likely to see a massive snap total, but Minnesota will likely make him heavily involved whenever he is on the field. Normally a safe TE1 bet, Hockenson is closer to the TE1/2 borderline for Week 9.
SOURCE: Jeremy Fowler on Twitter
Nov 6, 2022, 8:25 AM ET

 

[The Frankman]

T.J. Hockenson caught all nine of his targets for 70 yards in the Vikings' Week 9 win against the Commanders.

The Vikings took no time to fully integrate Hockensen into the passing attack. five days after being traded to Minnesota, Hockensen trailed only Justin Jefferson in targets. He found soft spots in the Washington secondary throughout the game and served as Kirk Cousins' primary check down option when pressured. It was as good a debut as any fantasy manager could have wanted, and it makes Hockensen a locked-in TE1 option from here on out.
- NBCSportsEDGE