Vikings playmaker named one of the most "dominant" players at his position
The Minnesota Vikings saw immediate returns on their trade to acquire tight end T.J. Hockenson from the Detroit Lions in the middle of the season Hockenson transformed Minnesota’s passing attack in just 10 games last season, but stands to do even more damage in the upcoming season. There are few tight ends in the NFL […]
The Minnesota Vikings saw immediate returns on their trade to acquire tight end T.J. Hockenson from the Detroit Lions in the middle of the season Hockenson transformed Minnesota’s passing attack in just 10 games last season, but stands to do even more damage in the upcoming season.
There are few tight ends in the NFL who are capable of punishing defenses like Hockenson can. While there is usually an adjustment period for players joining new teams in the middle of the season, Hockenson amassed 60 catches for 519 yards and three touchdowns for the Vikes.
Defensive coordinators already have their hands full game-planning for Justin Jefferson. Though Hockenson is too well-known to overlook, perhaps he stands to benefit from the extra attention paid to his teammate.
The Score’s Jordan Schultz showered the Vikings’ dynamic pass-catcher with some well-deserved praise in a recent article.
From Schultz: “With the exception of Travis Kelce and maybe Evan Engram down the stretch, was there a more dominant tight end in the league than T.J. Hockenson? Acquired via Detroit in a rare divisional trade, Hockenson – the former top-10 pick out of Iowa – amassed 519 yards receiving in seven games after the trade. He effectively transformed Minnesota's whole offense, providing a killer seam threat capable of creating matchup nightmares (6-5, 248 pounds with 4.7 speed) on the perimeter, as well.”
Although the Vikings and WR Adam Thielen parted ways this offseason, Minnesota once again enters the year with a three-headed monster in the passing game. Jefferson and Hockenson will undoubtedly get their numbers, while rookie Jordan Addison has an opportunity to make a major splash on the outside.
Hockenson is a rare asset in today’s NFL. Quarterback Kirk Cousins should thank general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensa for assembling such a dangerous group of pass-catchers. If all goes well in 2023, Hockenson and the Vikes will be right back in the NFC North’s throne with a chance to create some chaos in the postseason.
