The acquisition of T.J. Hockenson gives the Vikings' ninth-ranked scoring offense a "complete tight end," said offensive coordinator Wes Phillips on Thursday.
"That's what I used to call them when I coached tight ends," said Phillips, the former tight ends coach for the Cowboys, Commanders and Rams from 2013-2021. "A guy who can kind of play all downs — first, second, third — and win when you target him on third down, and also be effective in the run game. We're excited to have him."
The Vikings traded for Hockenson just hours before Tuesday's NFL trade deadline, effectively swapping a 2023 second-round pick and 2024 third-round pick for two fourth-round picks, to bolster an already strong skill position group with the former Lion.
When Hockenson eventually becomes familiar with the playbook, coaches envision him fitting into all aspects of the game plan after they spent the first seven games piecing together the skill sets of Johnny Mundt, the blocker, and Irv Smith Jr., the receiver.
Hockenson, listed at 6-foot-5 and 248 pounds, was the eighth overall pick in 2019 because of his rare size and mobility as a pass catcher. He can run block, too, Phillips said.
"He knows angles," Phillips said. "He understands how to get the job done. Because oftentimes, you're overmatched. Unless you're [267-pound Packers tight end] Marcedes Lewis or something, they're gonna be longer, bigger, stronger most times — the guys that you're blocking."
Hockenson's biggest impact should come on the other end of quarterback Kirk Cousins' throws. Once he's up to speed, Hockenson can cause headaches for defenses trying to cover him, along with running back Dalvin Cook and receivers Justin Jefferson and Adam Thielen.
"They're getting matchups that, if you have a guy like Hockenson, are favorable a lot of times," Phillips said.
