Why the Vikings should draft T.J. Hockenson in the first round
By Chris Schad
Reasons to not draft Hockenson:
Drafting a tight end should be toward the top of the Vikings list of priorities heading into the draft, but along with having a stud prospect like Hockenson, there are several other tight ends that could make sense in the later rounds. Selecting a tight end such as Alabama’s Irv Smith Jr., Texas A&M’s Jace Sternberger or Ole Miss’ Dawson Knox, would give the Vikings an athletic tight end while also allowing them to use a premium pick on another position of need.
As also mentioned in the previous slide, the Minnesota Vikings used a draft pick on a tight end with a similar profile to Hockenson in Tyler Conklin last season. While Conklin’s rookie year was filled with mistakes and just five catches for 77 yards, the rookie tight end that becomes an immediate contributor is rare in the NFL. If Conklin figures it out in year two, using a first rounder on a tight end would be a missed opportunity to fill a need elsewhere.
Regardless of sudden breakouts, Hockenson doesn’t have too many weaknesses that aren’t coachable. A lot of his issues stem from timing and adding muscle mass and perhaps learning under Kyle Rudolph, a veteran who has been effective if not spectacular during his eight-year career, could do him wonders.