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.
In stead of looking at a whole tier, let's dive into a choice you might have to face on draft day. Who should you draft: Travis Kelce or T.J. 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.
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
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.
In stead of looking at a whole tier, let's dive into a choice you might have to face on draft day. Who should you draft: Travis Kelce or T.J. 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.
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.
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Travis Kelce, Kansas City Chiefs (TE6)
Travis Kelce is coming off his worst season since 2013, but his volume was still elite. He drew 133 targets and finished with 97 catches for 823 yards and three touchdowns. That kind of usage would be elite for most tight ends, but for Kelce, it signaled decline.
At age 35, the signs are there. He posted a 16th percentile rate in yards after the catch, and the Chiefs now have viable pass catchers in Rashee Rice (when he returns from his six-game suspension), Xavier Worthy and Hollywood Brown. If Kansas City spreads the ball around more, Kelce's path to another 100-plus targets gets murky.
Even if the volume sticks, it's likely the team scales back his role to keep him fresh for another playoff run. The weekly upside that once made him a league-winner may be gone, and the floor could get painful if touchdowns don't return.
Bottom line: Kelce is a fading superstar. He'll still have big games, but ADP no longer bakes in the safety net he once provided.
Final Thoughts on Fantasy Football ADP TE Values
This fantasy football ADP battle is defined by what you're solving for:
• Hockenson is the most stable, especially if he falls to TE6 range.
• Kelce has a chance to see volume, but decline is a major concern.
Best pick if price drops: T.J. Hockenson
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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