NFL coach highlights key factor why Minnesota Vikings TE T.J. Hockenson is primed for a rebound year

The Minnesota Vikings have some of the best players at their position in the National Football League. One of those is tight end T.J. Hockenson , who has proven the Vikings and general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah right for making the trade deadline deal for him in 2022.

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler released the latest in the position ranking series that he does every offseason and it's at tight end. Hockenson ranked a little lower on the list than he did last year at seventh overall. In 2024, he ranked fifth.

T.J. Hockenson is primed for rebound year

Ranking seventh is a little low, but it also makes a little bit of sense. He only played half of the season and struggled at times because he was coming off of a torn ACL. However, that's a big reason why a rebound season makes a ton of sense for Hockenson, and an NFL coordinator put it into perspective.

"He was OK -- didn't appear to trust the knee, especially in blocking, which is common for that injury," an NFL coordinator said. "But I expect him to have a strong year. He will trust it more a year removed and that offense is set up nicely for him. And he's got such a good feel for the game that he'll find ways to get catches."

Having that trust in your body is so critical for performing at your best. He was good from a production standpoint outside of touchdowns, which he didn't get one until the wild card round against the Los Angeles Rams.

Now, touchdowns are random by nature. Hockenson only had his production dip slightly from 2023, and a lot of that was due to the absence of Justin Jefferson for seven games. With another full year under his belt post surgery, Hockenson is primed to take things to another level, especially to maximize J.J. McCarthy.