NFL Draft expert’s latest projections for Minnesota Vikings raise serious questions about the future for T.J. Hockenson

Tight end T.J. Hockenson will be a difficult conversation this offseason, and Dane Brugler’s latest NFL Mock Draft gives the Vikings his replacement.

Tyler Forness — NFL & College Football News Writer
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Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq hurdles over USC cornerback DeCarlos Nicholson as the Oregon Ducks host the USC Trojans on Nov. 22, 2025, at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Oregon.
Ben Lonergan/The Register-Guard / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The Minnesota Vikings have a bevy of salary cap issues to address this offseason, with tight end T.J. Hockenson being the biggest of those.

Hockenson had his stats down this year due to the offensive line issues, as the Vikings used him to chip defenders. He’s arguably lost half a step since his torn ACL against the Detroit Lions at the end of the 2023 season, and his $21 million salary cap hit is among the largest on the team.

With the Vikings currently projected $48.99 million over the salary cap, decisions will have to be made. If they choose to move on from Hockenson, there is an intriguing player in the first round of the NFL Draft.

Dane Brugler projects Kenyon Sadiq to replace T.J. Hockenson in NFL mock draft

The Vikings select 18th overall in the NFL Draft, and there are a ton of options available for general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah. The Athletic’s Dane Brugler released a mock draft, and gave the Vikings a replacement for Hockenson in Kenyon Sadiq of the Oregon Ducks.

“If T.J. Hockenson is a cap casualty this offseason, tight end would move up the Vikings’ needs list, Brugler wrote. “Sadiq is a big, freaky athlete with the adjustment skills to make difficult catches look routine and the mentality to be an asset as a blocker. NFL teams believe he has the talent to be a top-10 pick.”

Sadiq is a fascinating player. Standing 6-3 and 245 pounds and a weapon in the passing game for the Ducks. He is a menace up the seam and a capable blocker. Being that he’s a tight end, having the talent to go in the top-10 doesn’t mean he will. Brock Bowers was selected 13th overall when he was seventh on the consensus board.

Is it smart business for the Vikings to replace Hockenson with a rookie tight end? It’s a tough sell, especially since tight ends are a position that is often drafted for their next team. There is a chance Sadiq is one of the rare ones like Bowers who end up being a star immediately, but is it a good idea to create a hole just to replace them in the first round?

April’s NFL Draft is going to be a fascinating one for the Vikings.

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