Where Does T.J. Hockenson Rank Among NFL Tight Ends?

By TPP Justin |

Updated: Jul 12, 2024

NFL: Minnesota Vikings at Denver Broncos — Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Minnesota Vikings’ tight end T.J. Hockenson is a game changing player for his position and has been a valuable asset to the Vikings organization. Hockenson joined the Vikings right at the trade deadline during the 2022 NFL season. He was then given a massive four-year extension worth up to $68.5 million right before the 2023 NFL season that puts him on the team through 2027.

Not only did Hockenson deserve his new contract, but he put up his best season of his career last year despite missing a couple games due to a torn ACL/MCL. In 15 games played, Hockenson finished with:

95 receptions
960 receiving yards
10.1 yards per catch
5 touchdowns
78.8 overall Pro Football Focus (PFF) grade
82.4 receiving PFF grade

His 78.8 overall PFF grade was actually T-3rd best in the NFL just behind San Francisco 49ers’ George Kittle (1st) and Kansas City Chiefs’ Travis Kelce (2nd), while also being tied with Baltimore Ravens’ Mark Andrews. Hockenson’s definitely in the upper echelon of tight ends in this league and NFL executives, coaches, and scouts seem to agree.

Minnesota Vikings’ T.J. Hockenson ranked fifth best tight end by NFL execs, coaches, and scouts

According to Jeremy Folwer (ESPN), after talking with NFL executives, coaches, and scouts, Hockenson is ranked the fifth best tight end in the league. Hockenson comes in just behind Kelce (1st), Kittle (2nd), Andrews (3rd), and Detroit Lions’ Sam LaPorta (4th).

According to execs, coaches, and scouts around the #NFL via @JFowlerESPN, #Vikings TE T.J. Hockenson is the 5th best TE in the league 🔥

"His zone instincts are elite, the ability to manipulate areas and get friendly to the QB," said an NFL coordinator on what separates… pic.twitter.com/mletcq4Mr9
— The Purple Persuasion (@TPPSkol) July 12, 2024

Hockenson makes his top-five debut despite a severe injury complicating his 2024 outlook.

The Vikings could sit Hockenson for the early part of the season due to his recovery from a torn ACL and MCL suffered on a big hit in Week 16.

Hockenson had posted career highs in catches (95) and yards (960) before the injury.

“His zone instincts are elite, the ability to manipulate areas and get friendly to the QB,” said an NFL coordinator on what separates Hockenson.

That he moved up a spot despite his injury is a testament to his work.

“His ability to win on choice routes in level two and create leverage vs. linebackers or defensive backs,” the NFL coordinator continued. “He can play with power vs. smaller guys and with more finesse vs. bigger guys. He can play across the formation and you have to respect him as an all-around tight end because he can and will block.”
Jeremy Fowler (ESPN)

The NFL seems pretty high on Hockenson with one NFL coordinator stating that you have to respect him as an all-around tight end. Hockenson is definitely known for his pass catching abilities, but he’s proven he can block as well. Something critical that puts you into the tier one category of NFL tight ends.

Has Minnesota Vikings’ tight end T.J. Hockenson hit his prime?

Although he’s coming off a pretty severe knee injury, Hockenson’s recovery seems to be going well and shouldn’t hinder his ability to play the position long-term. However, he may miss a few games to start the season but the exact number of games is still unknown.

Per @Andrew_Krammer via @AccessVikings, there’s potential that #Vikings TE T.J. Hockenson may miss the first half of the season 👀

Krammer also noted how non-committal Hockenson seemed in his NFL Network interview about potentially playing in London week 5 against the #Jets.… pic.twitter.com/NOxdLjuDBL
— The Purple Persuasion (@TPPSkol) June 2, 2024

Even with the injury, the NFL still thinks he’s going to be a dominant player. Hockenson was ranked sixth last year, so he’s improved one spot coming off a dominant 2023 season. Hockenson is still on 26 years old and has many years left in the NFL if he can stay healthy. Given his age and the upward trend of the numbers he’s putting up, Hockenson is far from hitting his peak.