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INMAN: NFC NORTH WORST CASE DRAFT SCENARIOS
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Despite having to share the wealth with the draft’s other top tight end prospect, Noah Fant, T.J. Hockenson made his mark in two seasons at Iowa, which included a 760-yards, six-touchdown season as a redshirt sophomore. Won the Mackey Award for the nation’s top tight end last year. While his second-level blocking may be somewhat unrefined, his offensive upside is huge. Would have won several drills at the NFL Combine if not for Fant one-upping him. Effective from the slot and on deep routes, which makes him a perfect prototype for the modern NFL tight end.
Size
6-5, 251 pounds
Combine notables
40-yard dash: 4.7 seconds (T7th at position)
Bench: 17 reps
Vertical: 37.5 inches (2nd at position)
Broad jump: 123 inches (2nd at position)
60-yard shuttle: 11.55 seconds (2nd at position)
What the analysts say
“In a draft that feels light on high-end talent, Hockenson is an ascending talent with a chance to become one of the best all-around tight ends in the game. He should continue to fill out his athletic frame, but he's already a sound in-line blocker with the toughness to sustain and finish. His above-average athleticism and separation burst will help him win against linebackers while his body control and hands give him an advantage over safeties.” – Lance Zierlein, NFL.com
“Other than the fact that he isn't an e-l-i-t-e athlete, Hockenson basically has everything else you want at the tight end position. He may not be Noah Fant/Evan Engram territory as a pure athlete, but he's the next best thing. Hockenson can stretch the field against anyone, beat defensive backs in man coverage, embarrass defenders after the catch and smash defensive ends into the opposite C-gap with his leg drive and tenacity.” – Jon Ledyard, The Draft Network
What PFF says
-4th in yards per route run
-T6th best in fewest drops (1)
-9th in deep passing
[caption id=attachment_47890" align="alignnone" width="677]
Chart via Pro Football Focus Draft Guide[/caption]
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CHECK OUT THE REST OF THE
ZONE COVERAGE DRAFT GUIDE
MINNESOTA VIKINGS NEEDS & TARGETS
POSITIONAL TOP 5 RANKINGS & VIDEO BREAKDOWNS
MINNESOTA VIKINGS DRAFT TRENDS
INMAN: NFC NORTH WORST CASE DRAFT SCENARIOS
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