Top 5 NFC North tight ends in 2023 ranked

1. T.J. Hockenson, Minnesota Vikings

It's rare to see a trade between division rivals, but the Vikings have made a habit of it recently. They traded down twice in last year's draft, allowing the Lions to select Jameson Williams and the Packers Christian Watson.

They made another deal with the Lions for tight end T.J. Hockenson before last year's trade deadline.

Hockenson does a bit of everything for the Vikings' offense. He is a tremendous blocker, but has also significantly improved his receiving ability over the past few years. Hockenson set a new career-best in receiving with 86 catches, 914 yards, and six touchdowns last season with the Lions and Vikings.

It isn't easy to find a quality starting tight end. Not every team has one. Hockenson is one of the best in the league, in a tier just below the elite tight ends like Travis Kelce and Mark Andrews.

With his work as both a blocker and receiver, Hockenson will have a huge role to play for the Vikings this season. The Lions received good value in the deal, but it's still hard to believe they traded one of the best tight ends in football to a division rival. Hockenson may make them pay for that this season.

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