Once the elite trio of tight ends comes off the board, fantasy managers face a tough decision. We wrote about this back in July, but whether you're chasing ceiling, seeking floor or waiting for value, this choice is about knowing which tight end aligns with your build.
Instead of looking at a whole tier, let's dive into a choice you might have to face on draft day. Who should you draft: Sam LaPorta or TJ Hockenson? They are routinely drafted between TE4 and TE6, as you will see when using our mock draft simulator, which is part of the RotoWire draft kit. They come each with a different risk profile, so let's break down the choice.
Run your own draft-day scenarios with the fantasy football draft software to test different strategies.
Sam LaPorta, Detroit Lions (TE4)
Sam LaPorta flashed elite upside late in 2024, averaging 50 receiving yards and 0.64 touchdowns per game over his final 11. He ranked in the 91st percentile in air yards share and 71st percentile in yards after the catch — clear signs of a featured passing role.
But his early season usage was a red flag; through Week 7, he averaged just 2.8 targets per game and dipped below 5.7 PPR points in three outings. That wasn't due to performance — it was game script; Detroit's defense was dominant and the offense leaned heavily on the ground game.
In 2025, that setup could return. The defense projects as a strength again, and
Once the elite trio of tight ends comes off the board, fantasy managers face a tough decision. We wrote about this back in July, but whether you're chasing ceiling, seeking floor or waiting for value, this choice is about knowing which tight end aligns with your build.
Instead of looking at a whole tier, let's dive into a choice you might have to face on draft day. Who should you draft: Sam LaPorta or TJ Hockenson? They are routinely drafted between TE4 and TE6, as you will see when using our mock draft simulator, which is part of the RotoWire draft kit. They come each with a different risk profile, so let's break down the choice.
Run your own draft-day scenarios with the fantasy football draft software to test different strategies.
Sam LaPorta, Detroit Lions (TE4)
Sam LaPorta flashed elite upside late in 2024, averaging 50 receiving yards and 0.64 touchdowns per game over his final 11. He ranked in the 91st percentile in air yards share and 71st percentile in yards after the catch — clear signs of a featured passing role.
But his early season usage was a red flag; through Week 7, he averaged just 2.8 targets per game and dipped below 5.7 PPR points in three outings. That wasn't due to performance — it was game script; Detroit's defense was dominant and the offense leaned heavily on the ground game.
In 2025, that setup could return. The defense projects as a strength again, and Jameson Williams is expected to command more targets.
In fantasy football formats, LaPorta's ADP requires top-tier volume. If shootouts don't happen, that target share could shrink.
Bottom line: LaPorta has top-3 upside, but you're paying for ceiling. Potential game-script risk makes him volatile at cost.
T.J. Hockenson, Minnesota Vikings (TE5)
T.J. Hockenson returned from injury last season with steady but unspectacular numbers, catching 41 passes for 455 yards in 10 games. His weekly target range was 5-9, but he didn't score a touchdown; he also ranked just 16th percentile in yards after the catch.
Still, opportunity remains. If QB J.J. McCarthy is serviceable, Hockenson could return to his 80-catch form.
But Minnesota's offseason hints at a shift. The Vikings added Jordan Mason and improved the offensive line, signaling a more run-centric approach. In a more balanced scheme, Hockenson may settle into a lower-volume role.
That's fine if he falls in NFL fantasy ADP tiers, but concerning if he's taken too early.
Bottom line: Not a ceiling pick, but a decent floor play. Draft him if he falls to TE6, which will rarely happen.
Stay updated with training camp developments using fantasy football news, and monitor role clarity with the NFL depth charts.
Final Thoughts on Fantasy Football ADP TE Values
This fantasy football ADP battle is defined by what you're solving for:
• LaPorta gives you elite upside, but his output is tied to game script.
• Hockenson is the most stable, especially if he falls to TE6 range.
Best pick if price drops: T.J. Hockenson
Best upside swing: Sam LaPorta at cost
If you like these ADP battles, check this out:
Explore more player debates and tier analysis in our fantasy football articles.
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