RADIO
Detroit Lions tight end (TE) T.J. Hockenson is a fantasy football sleeper and ADP value for the 2019 season. Antonio Losada breaks down Hockenson's value in fantasy drafts.
BALLER MOVE: Target Around ~145 Overall
Current ADP: ~160
There is a chance you find Hockenson available for free at the end of your league's draft. He's currently at the verge of dropping to a consensus Round-15 ADP spot. The risk is obvious, and the ADP shows. Even as a rookie tight end, and if the projections hold, he's expected to rack up to 45 receptions for 500 yards to go with four touchdowns. For a TE22, that is not a bad return at all, much less considering how cheaply you can acquire him.
By drafting Hockenson early not only did Detroit show their plans, but they also vastly improved at the position. Hockenson has speed and proper hands, and even with the addition of Jesse James from Pittsburgh, he should take over as the starting tight end sooner rather than later. The fact that Detroit was the team to target tight ends with the least frequency of all of the league doesn't mean this will repeat itself this season, but it surely will keep your rival owners skeptical of picking Hockenson. Don't be fooled by this.
Hockenson comes boasting a 75% catch rate at Iowa. He barely misses the ball when thrown his way, and has the ability to gain more than a few yards after the catch. Even if he's paired with James on 12 personnel, the most probable outcome is that he's used as the target with James as a pure blocker. Hockenson is also a sure-thing in short-pass attempts, which can boost his value in PPR leagues.
Check out RotoBaller's famous fantasy football draft sleepers and waiver wire pickups list, updated regularly!
