Top 5 dynasty league tight ends from the 2019 NFL draft

3. T.J. Hockenson – Detroit Lions

The Lions used a top-10 pick on Hockenson, viewed as one of the best tight end prospects of recent years, but his opportunity to fully prove his worth may be limited in the start of his career.

Hockenson appears to be in competition with Jesse James for the starting spot, having split first-team reps with the former Steeler in offseason practices. He also has another rookie, Isaac Nauta, to contend with, while Kenny Golladay, Marvin Jones, Danny Amendola and Jermaine Kearse will provide competition for targets from Matthew Stafford from the wide receiver spot.

Though he could initially struggle to justify his draft status, there is plenty of cause for optimism he can become a reliable tight end who consistently puts up fantasy points.

Per The Lions Wire, Detroit has used three tight end sets during offseason activities, indicating they could feature the position going forward, which would be a logical next step for a team that has invested such significant resources there.

Yet the main reason to have faith Hockenson can earn a place as a focal point of the Lions’ offense is his outstanding skill set. He is an extremely consistent catcher of the football who can make receptions outside of his frame and has the athleticism to succeed in the slot as well as in-line and flourished at Iowa taking on cornerbacks and safeties.

Whether the Lions were right to spend the eighth overall pick on a tight end is open for debate but, in terms of his abilities on the field, the film speaks for itself. For dynasty players looking for an eventual starter at tight end, it’s a case of trusting the tape and having faith Hockenson can reproduce his college performances over a prolonged period in the pros.