Fantasy Football 2022: Top 5 Detroit Lions
By Zach Payne
2. TE T.J. Hockenson
Public perception surrounding Hockenson seems to be depressed compared to the fantasy hype he received a year ago. Expectations he would be among the fantasy elite haven’t been met for some people.
Through Week 13 last season Hockenson was the TE3 in fantasy (full PPR). The problem was another year where he was banged up, with poor quarterback play added to the equation. Unlike St. Brown, who blossomed over the last six weeks as the offense hit a new gear, Hockenson only saw the beginning of the rejuvenated offense before being struck down by a thumb injury.
The hope this year is Hockenson will be able to see more downfield targets, which would greatly boost his yards. Combined more yards with target volume and solid red zone prowess, and that would equate to someone pushing into the elite tier of fantasy tight ends.
Is it possible? Absolutely. But we simply don’t know if Hockenson will take that step. But with a contract extension looming, he surely is looking to do so.
Even if Hockenson winds ip exactly what he was last year for fantasy, projected out over 17 games, he would be a solid draft value. He’s currently ranked in the back half of the top-10 tight ends, with as good a floor as any tight end outside the top-five and upside potential to crack the top-five at season’s end.