TE T.J. Hockenson - Detroit Lions

6-5, 251

Born: 7-3-1997

College: Iowa

Drafted: Round 1, pick 2019

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Photo: Kirby Lee, US Presswire

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Week 11: vs Dallas Cowboys

All TE vs DAL

FBG says: Tough matchup. The Detroit Lions' passing projections for week 11 are highly dependent upon the status of quarterback Matthew Stafford. Stafford missed last week's game due to a back injury, and his status for this week is unknown. If he is unable to go, Jeff Driskel will start once again for the Lions. Driskel started last weekend against the Chicago Bears and threw for 269 yards, 1 touchdown, and 1 interception on 46 pass attempts on the day. Unsurprisingly, Driskel's favorite targets through the air were Kenny Golladay and Marvin Jones, Jr., the Lions' two dominant pass-catchers. Golladay and Jones, Jr. commanded the most valuable targets in the team's offense; however, their stat lines for the game were less-than-impressive. Even if each of their respective volumes continues at Stafford-like levels with Driskel under-center, the lack of efficiency will severely limit their receiving production. Danny Amendola has emerged as a reliable number-three option through the air over the last month of the season, with at least eight targets in three out of the last four games. He will play a factor in the team's passing game, but he is a definitive third-fiddle in the Lions' aerial attack. Rookie tight end, T.J. Hockenson has flashed occasionally, but his volume through the air is highly inconsistent. A strong matchup this weekend may foster another ceiling performance from the rookie, but it is far from a sure thing. Should Matthew Stafford tough it out in week 11 and play through his back injury, the same pass-catchers remain atop the list of expected producers for the Lions. However, their efficiency levels should increase dramatically compared to if Jeff Driskel were under-center. The Dallas Cowboys' pass defense is one of the league's most consistent units this season, ranking sixth in adjusted yards per pass attempt allowed through nine games. Along the defensive line, Demarcus Lawrence, Robert Quinn, and Michael Bennett make up one of the league's deepest and most-talented rotations of edge rushers. While their pass-rush is a definitive strength, the linebacker position has been a massive weakness for the Cowboys in coverage. All three of their starting linebackers have struggled against the pass this season, leaving their defense susceptible over the middle of the field. Opposing tight ends have capitalized on this weakness, as they have scored four touchdowns in the last four weeks against the Cowboys. On the season, the Cowboys have allowed the third-most DraftKings points per game to opposing tight ends in the NFL, which bodes well for Lions' rookie, T.J. Hockenson. Dallas' secondary is a deep and talented unit lacking any obvious weakness, and picking them apart through the air has proven to be an arduous task. Expect the Cowboys' defense to give the Lions' passing-attack fits in week 11, especially if Jeff Driskel is forced into action once again while Matthew Stafford heals from a back injury.

Recent Stats and Projections

WEEK	OPP		oSNAP	REC	YD	TD	FumL	Pts
7	vs MIN		51	3.0	32	0	0	3.2
8	vs NYG		42	1.0	21	0	0	2.1
9	at OAK		46	3.0	56	0	0	5.6
10	at CHI		48	3.0	47	0	0	4.7
11	vs DAL	PROJ-Dodds	*	3.1	*	*	*	*
11	vs DAL	PROJ-Tremblay	*	2.9	*	*	*	*
11	vs DAL	PROJ-Bloom	*	3.0	*	*	*	*

Weekly Performance vs TE 1, TE 12, TE 24

Percentile ranks

T.J. Hockenson's percentile rank in each category, among TE with more than 50 fantasy points.

Recent Game Summaries

2019 Week 10 vs CHI (6 / 3 / 47 / 0 rec)

T.J. Hockenson had a slow start to the game before getting heavy work in the second half despite Matthew Stafford missing the game with an injury. Hockenson showed off his athleticism with runs after the catch on a tight end screen and an out route. Hockenson had an opportunity down the seam on a deep throw that was overthrown. Hockenson will face Dallas next week who gave up two touchdowns to tight ends this week.

2019 Week 9 vs OAK (7 / 3 / 56 / 0 rec)

T.J. Hockenson had one of his better performances of the season against the Raiders this week. Hockenson had a couple of easy catches, including one on a crossing pattern on play-action and another on a flat route where he had an easy run after the catch opportunity. He later added a good screen reception with a run after the catch that showed off his athleticism. Hockenson was hindered by errant throws from Matthew Stafford on multiple occasions, including a long throw down the seam. Hockenson faces a good Chicago defense in week 10.

2019 Week 8 vs NYG (1 / 1 / 21 / 0 rec)

T.J. Hockenson had a quiet game against the New York Giants catching his only target on an out route for a first down. Hockenson has been inconsistent with limited targets as a rookie and will look to get on track next week against the Raiders.

2019 Week 7 vs MIN (5 / 3 / 32 / 0 rec)

T.J. Hockenson had a quiet game against the Vikings. He was not involved early with his first reception coming in the fourth quarter. He added two short receptions in the middle of the field late in the fourth quarter. He will look to rebound next week against the Giants.

2019 Week 6 vs GB (6 / 4 / 21 / 0 rec)

T.J. Hockenson returned to the lineup after missing time with an injury prior to the Lions bye. Hockenson had a quiet game but had an opportunity for a score on a quick tight end screen inside the five-yard line where he fell just before the goal line. He also added a good conversion on third down in the second half across the middle. Hockenson has shown well for a rookie tight end despite injuries thus far in his career and will look to keep positive momentum going next week against the Vikings.

2019 Week 4 vs KC (3 / 3 / 27 / 1 rec)

T.J. Hockenson left the game against the Chiefs after a scary injury. Hockenson attempted to hurdle a defender but fell and landed awkwardly. Hockenson laid on the ground very awkwardly and was in the concussion protocol after the game. Prior to the injury, Hockenson caught a touchdown pass on an out route from a bunch formation where he broke easily open in the end zone. Hockenson also was schemed up for a chunk play on a tight end screen play. Hockenson did have a drop on a target down the seam on a well-thrown ball from Matthew Stafford. He will have an extra week to clear the concussion protocol with a week five bye before facing the Packers in week six.

2019 Week 3 vs PHI (4 / 1 / 1 / 0 rec)

T.J. Hockenson had a disappointing game against the Philadelphia Eagles. Hockenson had several opportunities to score a touchdown but was unable to convert. He stepped out of the end zone before a touchdown catch and had two other well-defended end zone targets. Hockenson had a good play-action reception out of the Lions own end zone and later caught a check down late in the game. Hockenson was hit awkwardly on the play and was walking gingerly afterward, so his status for next week against the Chiefs is important to monitor.

2019 Week 2 vs LAC (3 / 1 / 7 / 0 rec)

T.J. Hockenson had a quiet week after a week one breakout. His only catch was a short route on the second series of the game. Detroit schemed Hockenson a target where he sold a block an escaped out the backside of a play, but the play was well defended by the Chargers. Hockenson will look to rebound against the Eagles in week three.

2019 Week 1 vs ARI (9 / 6 / 131 / 1 rec)

T.J. Hockenson had a terrific debut against the Arizona Cardinals in week one. He was smooth as a pass catcher and consistently turned catches upfield for yards after the catch. He showed good separation ability on a play where he was motioned across the formation and ran an over route, creating separation for a big play. Hockenson also ran a good scramble drill in the end zone with Matthew Stafford, to work away from defenders in coverage for a touchdown.

Latest News

Lions | T.J. Hockenson limited to three grabs (Sun Nov 10, 06:12 PM) - Detroit Lions TE T.J. Hockenson ended up with three receptions for 47 yards on six targets in Week 10 against the Chicago Bears.

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Lions | T.J. Hockenson cleared of concussion (Mon Nov 4, 06:39 PM) - Detroit Lions TE T.J. Hockenson (back) had the wind knocked out of him during the Week 9 game after he was hit in the back but did not need to go through the concussion protocol, according to head coach Matt Patricia.

Our View: Hockenson is good to go. He started his rookie season out with a bang but has failed to do much since then. Hockenson did have three catches for 56 yards in Week 9. Consider him a low-end TE2 going forward.
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