TJ Hockenson Fantasy Outlook: What You Need to Know in 2023

Hey there, fantasy football enthusiasts! If you're here, you're likely eager to dive into the TJ Hockenson fantasy outlook for the 2023 season. Well, buckle up, because we're about to embark on an exciting journey through the Lions' tight end landscape. Let's get started! Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and tj hockenson fantasy outlook.

TJ Hockenson's 2022 Season in Review

Before we gaze into our crystal ball, let's quickly recap TJ Hockenson's 2022 season. After a promising rookie campaign, Hockenson took a significant step forward in his second year. He finished the season with:

- 70 receptions (tied for 5th among TEs) - 688 receiving yards (3rd among TEs) - 4 TDs (tied for 8th among TEs)

Hockenson's impressive numbers earned him a Pro Bowl nod, and he solidified himself as a top-tier fantasy tight end. Now, let's explore what the future holds.

The Lions' Offense in 2023

Jared Goff's Return

Jared Goff will once again be under center for the Lions in 2023. While Goff isn't known for his elite arm strength, he has shown an ability to get the ball out quickly and accurately, which bodes well for Hockenson's involvement in the passing game. In 2022, Goff targeted Hockenson 75 times, the 10th-highest mark among TEs.

The Weapons Around Him

The Lions have made efforts to surround Goff with more talent, drafting wide receiver Jameson Williams in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft. Williams' speed and big-play ability could open up the field and create more opportunities for Hockenson underneath. Additionally, the return of Amon-Ra St. Brown and the addition of DJ Chark should help keep defenses honest.

In 2022, Hockenson commanded a 19.7% target share among Lions pass-catchers. While that number might seem high, it's important to note that the Lions' receiving corps was relatively thin. With more talent around him in 2023, we can expect Hockenson's target share to dip slightly. However, his target share per route run (23.2%) ranked 5th among TEs, indicating that he's a focal point of the offense when on the field.

Hockenson's Injury History

One concern surrounding Hockenson is his injury history. He missed four games in 2021 and two in 2022. While his injuries haven't been severe, they've limited his fantasy production in those weeks. If Hockenson can stay healthy, he has the potential to be a top-5 fantasy TE.

2023 Fantasy Outlook

Given the Lions' offense and Hockenson's role within it, we can expect him to be a reliable low-end TE1 in 2023. His target share may decrease slightly, but his efficiency and the Lions' increased offensive prowess should help mitigate that loss. Here's a projected range for Hockenson's 2023 fantasy production:

- Receptions: 55-65 - Yards: 600-700 - TDs: 4-6

Draft Strategy

Given his projected production and the dearth of elite fantasy TEs, you should feel comfortable drafting Hockenson as your TE1 in the 4th or 5th round. Here's a quick comparison to help you make that decision:

- TEs drafted ahead of Hockenson: Travis Kelce, Mark Andrews, Kyle Pitts, George Kittle - TEs drafted around Hockenson: Dalton Schultz, Evan Engram, Mike Gesicki, David Njoku

Final Thoughts

The TJ Hockenson fantasy outlook for 2023 is bright. With an improved offense and a role that suits his skillset, Hockenson is poised for another strong season. While he may not repeat his 2022 numbers, he should still provide valuable fantasy production. So, when draft day rolls around, don't hesitate to snag Hockenson as your starting tight end. Good luck, and happy drafting!