Minnesota Vikings 2019 NFL Draft Profile: T.J. Hockenson – TE

Where he fits with the Minnesota Vikings:

Adding Hockenson to the Vikings not only helps bolster an already potent passing game, but it helps them up front as well. No, unfortunately he can’t play guard. But when he isn’t running routes, he can help keep Kirk Cousins on his feet.

Minnesota still has one of the best tight ends in the game with Kyle Rudolph, but behind him it gets bare pretty quick. The Vikings have David Morgan, who has been a non-factor in the passing game, and youngster Tyler Conklin, who had a rookie season to forget.

I’m completely sold that Minnesota will be looking to add another weapon at tight end come draft day this year. That said, I don’t think they’ll force it either.

Hockenson is a guy that would offer solid value at pick No. 18 for the Vikings. The only issue is the other needs Minnesota has.

Can the Vikings justify taking the best player available over a top need like offensive or defensive line? Well, they have done it in the past, just look back to last year.

Minnesota didn’t need to select cornerback Mike Hughes in the first round, but he was just too good to pass on. Same goes for the Vikings’ first-round pick of Anthony Barr in the 2014 NFL Draft.

So when it comes to Minnesota being on the clock, they have proven time and again that they aren’t afraid to put talent over need.

If Hockenson ends up being the Vikings pick this year, I think they work him in on day one with two tight end sets, providing yet another weapon for Cousins.

This past season, we watched as offensives exploded around the NFL and if Minnesota wants to keep up, they’ll need to add more weapons like Hockenson. If he does turn out to be the Vikings’ selection this year, I think he supplants Rudolph early in his rookie season as the best tight end on the roster and he would be their future at the position.

(For more NFL Draft-related content from Matt Falk, head on over to SkolHole.com and check out his work.)