Breaking: TJ Hockenson to the VIkings

TJ could be a stud for years to come.

Red zone threat, a matchup night mare in motion, very good blocker.  Fantastic deal and will add another layer to this offense.

Can we start sending KJ deep and have TJ demanding safety coverage, leaving a lot of one on ones for Jets and Adam

Kwesi, well done

You get the TE you thought you had with ISJ...50-60 catches. ISJ is out virtually the remainder of the season (and the remainder of his contract).    Somebody will likely pay him and the Vikings will likely net a 3rd / 4th in compensation in the 2024 draft.

There must be more than just a high ankle sprain.  Aren't those typically 4 to 6 weeks?  Now they are saying 8 to 10 weeks.  Looks like his Viking career is over.

Although Iowa is a house divided for NFL loyalty (Vikings, Bears, Chiefs)...the vast majority in central Iowa where Hockenson grew up are Vikings fans.  It's going to be an easy drive up 35 for his family.

The one thing we were missing on offense was a weapon to keep defenses honest rolling coverage to Jefferson, and a big bodied red zone target. I think that was the thought with the Claypool flirtation. 

Kwesi must think we are real contenders this year, because this upcoming draft is loaded at TE. 

Lions send TE T.J. Hockenson to Vikings in trade. Grade: A https://t.co/Jt5cXFGZat

— Doug Farrar ✍ (@NFL_DougFarrar) November 1, 2022

@"PurpleCrush" said:

And the trade looks even better now.

Adam Schefter

@AdamSchefter

·6m

Vikings’ TE Irv Smith is expected to be sidelined 8-10 weeks with his high ankle sprain, per source.

Kwesi swinging for the motherF****** fences.  LOVE this deal way more than adding another WR when KJ has done pretty good.

Spielman would have sent a 3rd round pick for some no name #3 TE.  Hockenson is a  young Top 10 TE with arrow pointing up. 

For only a 2nd round pick in 2023 and mid rounders in 24, outstanding deal for us.

Great move. They are effectively trading down two rounds in 2023 and maybe giving up a 3rd round pick for Hockenson. You are unlikely to draft a player of his caliber in the late 2nd through 4th round. He's a great run blocker. Definitely an upgrade in the passing game.

If he decides not to resign with the Vikings, they are going to get a compensatory pick of some flavor that may effectively cancel out some of what they gave up to the Lions. If he plays well and resigns, they are going to fill a big need without using much draft capital. In any case, will help them make a push in 2022.

@"AGRforever" said: Why would the Lions do this deal? How would he not be in their future rebuild?

@"claykenny" said: Great move. They are effectively trading down two rounds in 2023 and maybe giving up a 3rd round pick for Hockenson. You are unlikely to draft a player of his caliber in the late 2nd through 4th round. He's a great run blocker. Definitely an upgrade in the passing game.

If he decides not to resign with the Vikings, they are going to get a compensatory pick of some flavor that may effectively cancel out some of what they gave up to the Lions. If he plays well and resigns, they are going to fill a big need without using much draft capital. In any case, will help them make a push in 2022.

Big move, but I like the direction - Established players in the league taking priority over “what could be” in the draft.  Always wondered why the F we would try to get ten picks, in full knowledge seven of them will be selling insurance the next year

Big Kirko has a new bff, & yes, I like that…!  B) B) B)  

This and other reports show us giving up a 2nd and 4th, not a 3rd

The newest member of the #Vikings: TJ Hockenson.
 
A huge deal, with the #Vikings sending a 2023 2nd rounder and a 2024 fourth rounder for Hockenson, a 2023 fourth rounder and a 2024 conditional fourth rounder. pic.twitter.com/ryxNrHzGP8

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 1, 2022

The moment I saw that ISJ was going to be sidelined 8-10 weeks, my heart dropped.  The moment that I saw Kwesi pulled the trigger on this, I had the opposite reaction.  This is a leap over and above ISJ.  A proven pro-bowl talent, with better TE receiving stats so far this season than we've seen in a while from anyone in purple.    I'd take a proven player, who is young (25) over a draft pick next year...all...day...long.  This is effectively those draft picks come to be serviceable today.  I approve this message.  A to A+ rating on this one.  In the meantime Detroit gives up Goff's #2 target to start rebuilding (again).

I will add that the first time ISJ dropped that wide open pass early in the season, I lost confidence in him.  I'd say there's a chance we won't see ISJ in a purple uniform again.  A reasonably good chance.

@"AGRforever" said: Why would the Lions do this deal? How would he not be in their future rebuild?

@"JR44" said: This and other reports show us giving up a 2nd and 4th, not a 3rd

The newest member of the #Vikings: TJ Hockenson.
 
A huge deal, with the #Vikings sending a 2023 2nd rounder and a 2024 fourth rounder for Hockenson, a 2023 fourth rounder and a 2024 conditional fourth rounder. pic.twitter.com/ryxNrHzGP8

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 1, 2022

So...the way I read this is the Vikings give up a much lower draft position 2nd for the Lions 4th next year...which will be very high in the round.

The Vikings also get a conditional 4th in 2024...and will also net likely a 3rd for "losing" ISJ.  

Well the 2023 draft will basically be paid vacation for Kwesi  :p but DAMN this is a nice pickup.  Hockenson may not have lived up to #8 as a pass catcher but he also blocks like a beast... which ISJ did not.  

JJ/AT/KJ/TJ ?!?  I freaking dare opponents to cover that.