Assessing Washington Redskins first-round options: TE T.J. Hockenson

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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – OCTOBER 06: T.J. Hockenson #38 of the Iowa Hawkeyes scores a touchdown against Jacob Huff #2 of the Minnesota Golden Gophers during the first quarter of the game on October 6, 2018 at TCF Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

Scouting T.J. Hockenson

Scouting T.J. Hockenson was fun. I was able to watch three full games on him, and there were more than a few plays that stood out. It’s very clear that he’s a complete, pro-ready prospect who translates well to the modern NFL. But what about him makes this so? Let’s dive into the details.

As a run blocker, Hockenson has exceptional get-off. His strength and precise hand placement gives him the anchor of a sixth offensive lineman, essentially. He finishes every block, playing hard until the final whistle, and he knows when to pin a defensive lineman where, based on run concepts and direction. He’s not just throwing his arms up. Every move has a method.

Hockenson is strong as a pass blocker as well, though he wasn’t asked to do this as often in college. He’s proficient at chipping linemen before breaking into his route, and he can operate this way both in-line and out wide in the formation.

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Hockenson’s mentality as a blocker is just as tantalizing as his physicality. He’s an absolute mauler at his best moments, (See Indiana film linked below) and he’s always hungry for pancakes. At times, he genuinely looks like a guard, looking for slabs to stack on a given play. He always looks ahead once his first assignment is handled.

Now, Hockenson is 6-foot-5, 250, so he’s not getting confused for an offensive lineman anytime soon. But his play style as a blocker mirrors their power and precision. He can occasionally overcommit and take himself out of the play, but far more often than not, he’s a force to be reckoned with. The Redskins need a tight end who can block like this.

But wait, you say. You want to know how he fares as a receiver. Well, Hockenson is very good in that area as well. His route tree is still a work in progress; there were times when he didn’t show consistent zip when breaking off routes. However, by Iowa’s bowl game, Hockenson looked as if he’d progressed nicely in this area, displaying impressive foot quickness in breaks. When he shows this, his potential as a receiving tight end is clear.

Hockenson also has good seam awareness when lined up in the middle of the field. He’s fast enough to create separation, and when he needs to make lateral adjustments on seam or fade routes, he makes them look easy.

Of course, getting open is half the battle. Can Hockenson make the catch, and do more with the catch? Yes, and yes. Hockenson cradles the ball with hands first and body second, ensuring catch security. He’s solid at tracking the ball downfield, and showed flashes of high-pointing ability, and in key moments, he seems to come up clutch. There was a late drive against Penn State where Hockenson made a diving sideline catch to keep the offense on the field, then caught another dump-off and took it for a first down.

Hockenson’s physicality as a blocker transfers to his run-after-catch (RAC) ability. He can be very hard to bring down for defenders whom he outmatches in size. Hockenson isn’t the athlete that Noah Fant is, but that isn’t to say anything negative about Hockenson’s athleticism; he’s a solid athlete in his own right. His athleticism contributes to his impressive contact balance. Hockenson is a very real RAC threat, and after combining this with his other traits, it’s hard to imagine if there’s anything he can’t do.

Tape Watched:

T.J. Hockenson vs. Wisconsin (2018)

T.J. Hockenson block vs. Indiana (2018)

T.J. Hockenson vs. Penn State (2018)

T.J. Hockenson vs. Mississippi State (2018)

Other Resources Used:

2019 NFL Draft Player Profile: T.J. Hockenson – The Draft Network

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