Shortly after the 2025 NFL Draft, a clear consensus emerged regarding the top five tight ends in dynasty rankings. Most analysts agreed that Brock Bowers and Trey McBride occupied the top two spots, followed by Sam LaPorta at number three. Rookies Colston Loveland and Tyler Warren were commonly listed as the final two within the top five. While these names dominate most rankings, T.J. Hockenson remains an important player to consider in T.J. Hockenson dynasty tight end rankings, especially since he has already reached this level of performance before.
T.J. Hockenson’s Past Performances that Signal Potential
During 2022 and 2023, Hockenson was consistently ranked as a top-five tight end by many, including a brief climb to the No. 1 position for a couple of months in 2023. His impact became visible when he was traded to the Minnesota Vikings midway through the 2022 season, where he swiftly became a focal point in the team’s passing attack. Over the final 10 games of that year, Hockenson averaged an impressive 8.6 targets per game and 12.8 PPR fantasy points per game, trailing only Travis Kelce and George Kittle during that timeframe.
In 2023, he set career highs with 95 receptions and 960 receiving yards and was on track to surpass his personal best in targets and touchdowns before suffering a torn ACL. Leading up to this injury, through 15 weeks, Hockenson was averaging 14.6 PPR fantasy points per game, tied with Travis Kelce for the number one tight end spot.
Challenges and Opportunities Ahead for Hockenson
Now approaching his 28th birthday in early July, Hockenson faces a new set of circumstances. He will quarterback with first-year starter J.J. McCarthy and share the field with heavy target competition including Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and Aaron Jones. Despite his proven abilities, many fantasy managers seem hesitant about Hockenson’s potential this season. However, that cautious sentiment could be premature.
Expectations are that Hockenson will outscore the rookie tight ends, and there is a reasonable chance he could surpass LaPorta as well. Fully recovered from his ACL injury, Hockenson remains in the prime years of his career. Should McCarthy perform well or Addison encounter a suspension, a return to the top tight end conversation is very possible.
Why Fantasy Managers Should Reconsider Hockenson
Those who currently view Hockenson as a secondary option may soon regret overlooking him. For dynasty contenders, acquiring Hockenson at his current value—or potentially lower—could yield significant returns. His combination of proven past success, recovery status, and opportunity in Minnesota makes him a strong dark horse candidate to regain TE1 status in 2025.
In a recent discussion with Smitty on Fantasy Football Today Dynasty, these rankings and player evaluations, including Hockenson’s, were further analyzed, reinforcing the importance of not dismissing his upside.