A rare trade between division rivals nets the Vikings a star player at their biggest position of need (arguably). The Minnesota Vikings have acquired tight end T.J. Hockenson from the Detroit Lions, per CBS Sports. In addition to Hockenson, the Lions send their 2023 4th-round pick and their 2024 conditional 4th-round pick to the Vikings, and the Vikings send their 2023 2nd-round pick and their 2024 4th-round pick. CBS Sports seems to think we fleeced the Lions, and I would tend to agree, at first glance.
I like the move by the Vikings front office to shore up a position of need prior to the deadline, doing so without creating future cap headaches, and doing so without giving up a lot of draft capital. They basically moved back two spots from 2nd to 4rd in 2023, and then a pick swap in 2024, which will work out better for the Vikings, as our pick will be much lower on the board. I think the move shows that the team is willing to do what it takes to build a winner without creating future headaches. It appears to be a smart move by Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and the Vikings front office.
Using PFF grades as a guide, let’s see how Hockenson has looked. I use PFF because it’s at least a useful tool and a starting point for discussion. So, in 2022 and according to PFF, in 398 snaps, Hockenson has an overall grade of 69.4. He grades highest in the passing game with a 74.7 grade, his pass blocking grade is a respectable 58.9, and he grades lower in run blocking at 48.3. He’s also committed 2 penalties this year. This jives with what we’ve seen from Hockenson, he’s an athletic tight end who can make catches and make some plays with the ball in his hands. If he can continue his 2022 production in Minnesota, the Vikings will see a massive improvement in production from the tight end position.
What do you think, folks? Join in the conversation and comment below. SKOL!!!!!!!!!!!
HUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUGE
What is a Hawkeye, by the way?
Explains the move. Was busy working, missed this.
This has probably been overlooked, but with the addition of Hockenson, there will be less pressure on Irv when he gets back and Irv can get on with having that breakout season he’s been working on.
And will make the loss of him in the off season hurt much less
Yepper.
Good move, this should help the offense to maximize their potential. Didn´t sell the farm to acquire one of the better TEs in the league, well done.
Hockenson’s draft profile
6’5″ 251 pounds (almost as tall as me)
4.7 second 40 yard dash
17 reps on the bench
37.5 inch vertical
This is a very good move and didn’t cause the Vikings to have to do cap gymnastics
LOL
(sad trombone noise)
*a part
Agreed
These articles are probably awesome for SEO
hopefully some new fans will find the site and wade into the comments sections of the open threads and the front porch!
That’s the hope!
If I were new to the website I’d be confused as to why there are 2 open threads
Do you mean part deux, or are you referring to the front porch?
That’s actually a good thought/idea. It might be beneficial to have an introductory message up top letting people where to go for what they’re looking for. Want discussion without politics? Go to the front porch. Want discussion of all types? Go to the open thread.
Good idea.