Vikings Draft 2019: Best players that could be available at pick No. 18

T.J. Hockenson – TE (Iowa)

Tight end is a need for the Vikings as the team inches closer to the 2019 NFL Draft. Kyle Rudolph’s future in Minnesota is still up in the air at this point with his age and the money he’s owed.

While a restructure seems to be the most likely outcome for Rudolph this year, there is a chance that he could be cut.  If that happens, the need at tight end shoots almost to the top of the Vikings list this offseason.

Hockenson would be a great pick for Minnesota no matter if Rudolph returns or not. He is one of the safest prospects in the entire 2019 draft class with his ability to both block and be a well above average receiver.

The 6-foot-5, 243 pound Hockenson isn’t just a guy who gets open on out routes or goes up for jump balls in the red zone. This guy has the speed to actually stretch the field vertically and make catches for big gains.

He has surprising speed and extremely reliable hands. Hockenson is also an aggressive and nasty blocker who attacks his man and doesn’t stop until the play is whistled dead.

A couple of things would have to happen in order for the Vikings to actually select this Hawkeye in 2019.

First of all, he would need to still be available and the chances of that are not great. Hockenson has been linked to teams picking in the top 10 like the Detroit Lions and Buffalo Bills.

Minnesota would have also had to bring in at least one free-agent offensive lineman this offseason to make themselves feel better about taking the best player available in Hockenson over their biggest need in the first round.