4 key ways T.J. Hockenson can instantly help the Vikings in 2022
By Dean Jones
A complete tight end
It’s been a long time since the Vikings had a complete tight end.
There was hope Tyler Conklin and Irv Smith Jr. would take up the mantle. But neither managed to become dominant for differing reasons, and this ambitious move for T.J. Hockenson provides fresh hope those in power have finally solved an ongoing riddle.
Hockenson can do it all. His blocking is assured, he can line up anywhere on the line of scrimmage, boasts reliable hands, and, as stated previously, his presence in the red zone can be of significant use.
Should the Vikings get Hockenson up to speed quickly and integrated fully into the offense before playoff time, this will make a substantial impact. Much will also depend on the offensive line, but there are no more excuses for quarterback Kirk Cousins as he looks to finally enter the elite category by season’s end.
This trade should also give Hockenson an extra source of motivation. He’ll be playing on a contending team for the first time in his pro career and is also aiming to repay the faith shown in him by Minnesota’s primary decision-makers for good measure.
The possibilities are endless where Hockenson is concerned. And we’ve already seen Kevin O’Connell unlock this offense’s true potential before adding another supreme difference-maker.
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