PFF throws shade at Vikings rising star
Much has been made about the departures of key players for the Minnesota Vikings this offseason, and rightfully so. While aging Vikings stars have found new homes, tight end T.J. Hockenson serves as a reminder that the Vikes still have plenty of talent at their disposal. Hockenson arrived via trade from the Detroit Lions, in […]
Much has been made about the departures of key players for the Minnesota Vikings this offseason, and rightfully so. While aging Vikings stars have found new homes, tight end T.J. Hockenson serves as a reminder that the Vikes still have plenty of talent at their disposal.
Hockenson arrived via trade from the Detroit Lions, in a midseason deal that added some much-needed versatility to Minnesota’s passing attack. Entering his first full season with the Vikings, the sky is the limit for Hockenson.
There are a handful of fantastic tight ends across the NFL. Travis Kelce, Mark Andrews and George Kittle immediately come to mind. But Hockenson trails just behind that top group of tight ends after a career year in 2022.
In fact, Pro Football Focus recently ranked Hockenson as the NFL’s No. 5 tight end, which feels a bit low for the dynamic pass-catcher.
From PFF: A midseason trade did wonders for the former Iowa Hawkeye, as Hockenson fit the Vikings offense and tied for the third-highest WAR among TEs in 2022 at 0.41. Hockenson only trailed Kelce in receptions for the 2022 season, including the playoffs, which resulted in the second-most yards from the position.
Hockenson did most of his damage after his arrival in Minnesota last season. He compiled career highs in receptions (86) and receiving yards (919), while tying a career-best six touchdowns en route to his third Pro Bowl nod of his career.
With plenty of experience playing alongside Vikings QB Kirk Cousins, Hockenson should be able to hit the ground running in 2023. Although his PFF ranking is underwhelming, Hockenson has an opportunity to vault himself into the league’s elite with another productive campaign.
Featured image via Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports
