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Minnesota Vikings 2019 NFL Draft Profile: T.J. Hockenson – TE

By Matt Falk

IOWA CITY, IOWA- OCTOBER 20: Defensive back Marcus Lewis #8 of the Maryland Terrapins breaks up a pass in the first half intended for tight end TJ Hockenson #38 of the Iowa Hawkeyes, on October 20, 2018 at Kinnick Stadium, in Iowa City, Iowa. (Photo by Matthew Holst/Getty Images)
IOWA CITY, IOWA- OCTOBER 20: Defensive back Marcus Lewis #8 of the Maryland Terrapins breaks up a pass in the first half intended for tight end TJ Hockenson #38 of the Iowa Hawkeyes, on October 20, 2018 at Kinnick Stadium, in Iowa City, Iowa. (Photo by Matthew Holst/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Matthew Holst/Getty Images) T.J. Hockenson
(Photo by Matthew Holst/Getty Images) T.J. Hockenson /

T.J. Hockenson will be looked at as the top tight end in the 2019 NFL Draft class. The John Mackey Award winner will even make teams like the Minnesota Vikings who aren’t desperate for a tight end think twice in round one.

In just two seasons at Iowa, T.J. Hockenson became one of the best tight ends in college football. He accomplished this all while sharing time with fellow top 2019 tight end prospect, Noah Fant.

While many thought Hockenson might return for another year of college next season, he made the right choice in declaring early. As it stands now, he should be the first tight end off the board come April.

The 6-foot-5, 250 pound prospect not only offers his big frame and clean route running in the receiving game, but the big bonus is his ability to be effective as a blocker. Something that is becoming tougher and tougher to find in today’s NFL.

As a receiver, Hockenson has great hands and he runs smooth, crisp routes. And while his athleticism won’t wow anyone, he overcomes that with his solid technique and smooth demeanor.

No question, whatever team drafts him will have him in their starting lineup come Week 1 next season.

T.J. Hockenson – Iowa

Height: 6-foot-5 | Weight: 244 pounds

Pros:

  • Route running
  • Great hands
  • Extremely solid as a blocker
  • Outmatches linebackers
  • Can line up at multiple spots
  • Can make plays after the catch
  • Competitive, plays until the whistle
  • Day one contributor
  • Adjusts well to the ball

Cons:

  • Needs to beef up
  • Won’t wow you with his speed
  • Seriously, that is it.

Why he could rise:

Teams will fall in love with his ability to not only to make plays in the passing game, but also his ability to be an effective blocker up front. Some will feel this is too tough to pass on.

Why he could fall:

Look, he is a tight end. We have watched tight ends fall further than they should in the past strictly because teams don’t value them as high as other positions.

NFL Draft Projection:

As of now, I think he will be a shoe-in to be a top 25 pick. He offers too much to an offense to fall any further.

Projection: Top 20 pick.

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