TREJO: The Vikings TE Room Is More Than T.J. Hockenson
Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images
One of the first signings the Minnesota Vikings targeted in the 2023 offseason was tight end Josh Oliver, who signed a 3-year, $21 million contract. At the time, this was a bit of a head-scratcher, coming off the heels of the Vikings trading for T.J. Hockenson, from the NFC North rival Detroit Lions. Because of that investment, there were reservations about why the team would put another $7 million per year into another tight end.
Meanwhile, Vikings enthusiasts recognized that the team finished the 2022 season third in passing attempts and 27th in rushing attempts, which highlighted a seismic imbalance of the “marrying the run with the pass” philosophy that Kevin O’Connell stressed in his press conferences.
Oliver, who played for the Baltimore Ravens in 2022, was a cornerstone of a rushing attack that finished second in the NFL in yards per game (160.0), and Oliver blocked on 62% of the team’s rushing attempts. Amongst TEs with at least 200 snaps, he led the NFL with a 74.6 PFF run-blocking grade, which was a significant upgrade to the Vikings’ ground game.
An argument can be made that the Vikings didn’t utilize Oliver enough last season to justify the contract, as the team finished 28th in rushing attempts. But with Aaron Jones thriving with Minnesota, the proof is in the pudding that the team didn’t have competent running backs who could move the ball with any efficiency, either.
This season, the Vikings needed to navigate through T.J. Hockenson’s ACL injury from last Christmas Eve. While Hockenson has yet to play, reports indicate he could return as early as Week 7, their first game after the bye. In Hockenson’s absence, Oliver and Johnny Mundt have spearheaded both the blocking and receiving assignments at the position and are playing admirably.
Oliver is a proficient blocker and capable pass-catcher when called upon, as shown on his lone touchdown on the season. Mundt is more of the pass-catching tight end, sporting nine catches for 75 yards and a touchdown of his own. He has also been a pleasant surprise as a strong blocker in pass protection, with an 81.3 PFF grade that leads the NFL among TEs with at least 80 snaps.
Neither will be on highlight reels much, as their focus is on things that don’t show up on box scores often. Still, they’ve complimented each other and been extremely effective players in Hockenson’s stead.
Take a close look at the blocking that’s Oliver’s calling card, and you’ll see that he’s built like an ox, helping him take on edge rushers and three-down edge linemen regularly. He uses his hands well to gain leverage and has the strength to move people to open running lanes:
Vikings TE Josh Oliver using a single arm snatch/trap technique to down the DE Clemons#SKOL #NFL pic.twitter.com/LLUn34sAJn
— Last of the Fullbacks (@TheLastFullback) October 8, 2024
He plays with a tenacious attitude and gets to the second level regularly. When Oliver gets his hands on you, it’s like a fly getting caught in a spider’s web:
Quickly seeing what the Vikings like in Josh Oliver pic.twitter.com/hKMV7PcQhR
— Sean Borman (@SeanBormanNFL) August 11, 2023
Mundt was with O’Connell when he was the offensive coordinator with the Rams in 2021 and signed as a free agent the next offseason with the Vikings, immediately after KOC’s hiring. Mundt’s familiarity with the offense enables him to execute at a high level despite not being a core starter. Better yet, he only has two penalties in three seasons (868 snaps), an invisible way he helps the offense when on the field.
He doesn’t get plays dialed up for him often but produces whenever his number is called. While he lacks elite athleticism, his execution is consistent. Below is a prime example of him going through his assignment progression by engaging the left end with a block, releasing, and finally running a shallow route for a big gain.
The Vikings ran what was essentially mesh from empty a couple times in this game and it worked out nicely on their first third down.
The chip and delayed release from Mundt helped him get entirely lost by the defense. pic.twitter.com/ifbO4lsdHT
— Matt Fries (@FriesFootball) October 10, 2024
Mundt does a lot of the little things that support sustaining drives despite not having much flash to his game. The flash is where Hockenson comes in. His pending return from injury will help KOC further weaponize the offensive playbook with more aerial attack options as defensive coordinators will most assuredly have sleepless nights trying to scheme for Jefferson, Addison, and Hockenson all taking the field.
Hockenson’s physique (6-foot-5, 248 pounds) is an imposing presence in the middle of the field. His athleticism gives him separation from linebackers and provides natural high points for the football, helping him make contested catches regularly.
He is also fluid with transitioning into his cuts which helps him create separation. Normally, tight ends struggle in gaining separation when cornerbacks are assigned to cover them. Not Hockenson, as he puts his athleticism on full display here:
TJ Hockenson with a great route to shake the CB.
9 catches on 9 targets for 70 yards in his #Vikings debut: pic.twitter.com/xJDK8WjucL
— Nick Olson (@NickOlsonNFL) November 6, 2022
These traits resulted in big plays throughout 2023. Hockenson ranked first at his position with 40 catches of 10-plus yards and second with catches of 20-plus yards (13) last season in 15 games of work. The star tight end delivered, being second in the NFL in targets (127) for his position, and he enjoyed the eighth-best catch percentage at 74.8%.
With the likes of Travis Kelce, Mark Andrews, and George Kittle showing more of their age this season, Hockenson has a legitimate opportunity to solidify himself as THE top-tier tight end in the league. Production from tight ends is down this season, with only seven who have over 200 yards. That’s a number Hockenson could easily eclipse in a few games, pending he is fully recovered from his knee injury.
But for now, the Vikings have been in capable hands with Oliver and Mundt manning the ship in Hockenson’s absence. O’Connell revealed that he intends to still incorporate both into the offense after Hockenson’s return, even while stressing the importance of T.J.’s role in the offense. The Vikings entered the season with questions at tight end, and their depth stepped up to the plate. With Hockenson soon to return and a possible revenge game coming against the Lions, the Vikings will be coming out of the bye with a weapon that can take this 5-0 offense to another level as they turn their focus to stacking up wins to secure home field advantage.
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