With the 55th pick of the NFL draft, the Minnesota Vikings selected tight end T.J. Hockenson, an offensive player, much to the shock and disappointment of some Vikings fans.
The Vikings traded for their division rival Detroit Lions Pro Bowl tight end Hockenson in 2022 in exchange for a 2023 second-round pick and a 2024 third-round pick to the Lions for a 2023 fourth and a conditional 2024 fourth.
The 25-year-old caught nine passes for 70 yards in a win over the Commanders just days after getting enrolled in Minnesota for the first time and finished with 70 catches for 648 yards in 11 games with the franchise including the postseason.
Why are the Vikings fans disappointed with the 55th pick in the NFL draft, T.J. Hockenson?
The Vikings TE Hockenson proved his incredible athleticism on the field after landing on Minnesota, hence, fans didn’t raise eyebrows regarding his performance in the league, albeit they are more dissatisfied with the team’s decision to pick an offensive player when they clearly lack defensive players in their squad.
Bad pick. They needed defense.
— Thomas Sullivan (@Yfz84) April 28, 2023
Despite racking up 13 wins, the Vikings possess one of the worst defenses in the NFL, leading the team to sack defensive coordinator Ed Donatell this offseason. Brian Flores, former Dolphins head coach, and CB Byron Murphy and DL Marcus Davenport got enrolled in the Vikings roster to improve their defense, albeit the franchise has plenty of holes to fill on their defensive side after the departure of CB Patrick Peterson, CB Cameron Dantzler, DL Dalvin Tomlinson, LB Eric Kendricks, and WR Adam Thielen.
However, some fans are holding out hope that the new pick will prove to be a valuable asset to the team.
He’d be the top tight end in the class that’s for sure
— William Sharrer (@Wilsharrer) April 28, 2023
The Viking fans’ reactions were understandable given the team’s struggles on the defensive side of the ball in recent years as the team gave up 388.7 yards per game last season, second-most in the NFL behind the Detroit Lions. With several high-profile defensive players available in the draft, many had hoped the Vikings to address their defensive needs with this pick.
However, the team ultimately decided to go in a different direction, choosing to bolster their offensive lineup instead. While it remains to be seen how Hockenson will prove his worth in the long run, it’s clear that the decision has left many Viking fans feeling frustrated about the team’s prospects for the upcoming season.
Do you also think that the Vikings made a wrong move? You can share your thoughts with us in the comments.
