Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY SportsCredit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
Removing the cornerstone player – T.J. Hockenson – leaves Minnesota’s tight end position in a state of uncertainty. The response has been to ratchet up the competition.
The Vikings’ overlooked TE within that competition – UDFA Trey Knox – is battling for a roster spot. Josh Oliver and Johnny Mundt are assured of a pair of spots, meaning there’s just one or two more openings (assuming Hockenson is out initially due to his injury recovery). Does the undrafted rookie tight end really have a shot at getting onto the roster?
Trey Knox as The Vikings’ Overlooked TE and Long Shot to Make Roster
Start with the basic info.
Knox stands at 6’5” and weighs 237. The height looks to be about right, but the weight is a bit light, as least per traditional standards. The age – he’ll turn 23 in August – is encouraging. Youth is on Knox’s side. Will the Vikings ask him to add on some more size? Can he do so without lessening explosiveness?
Nov 5, 2022; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks tight end Trey Knox (7) celebrates after scoring a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Liberty Flames at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Liberty won 21-19. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
Consider the word from the NFL.com scouting blurb: “Knox has pass-catching measurables and the willingness to block as an in-line tight end. He’s a receiver-turned-tight-end-prospect with an expansive wingspan. He’s better at getting into the route and separating than he is at making tough catches. While he saw plenty of schemed opportunities and short catches, it appeared he was able to create his own chances over the first two levels. Knox possesses credible run-blocking talent in-line or on the move but will need to get bigger and stronger for the pro game. His timed speed could hurt his draft stock, but teams might be pleasantly surprised with Knox’s catch/block potential.”
Lance Zierlein suggested that Knox would be a “priority free agent.”
On PFF, the tight end came in at 259th on their board, suggesting that a 7th-Round selection would be appropriate. The brief assessment: “Knox posted a 93rd-percentile PFF Game Athleticism Score in 2023 and showcased a solid pair of hands, dropping just two of his 39 catchable passes last season.”
Sep 7, 2019; Oxford, MS, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks wide receiver Trey Knox (7) attempts to catch a pass against Mississippi Rebels defensive back Keidron Smith (20) during the first half at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports
Prior to 2023, Trey Knox played at Arkansas. He posted some average numbers there as a wide receiver but then transferred to South Carolina and became a tight end. In the new school with the new position, Know put together some of the better numbers of his college career.
His final season involved 37 catches, 312 yards, and 2 TDs. So, not dominant stuff, but steady numbers, especially when we remember that he was playing a new position (similar to the transition N’Keal Harry is working through currently).
Add it all together and one wonders if Minnesota is still working with a player who is a bit raw. Yes, there were five years in college, but there was also a position switch. Does a spot on the practice squad make the most sense?
Jan 1, 2023; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver N’Keal Harry (8) is upended by Detroit Lions safety Ifeatu Melifonwu (26) after catching a pass in the second quarter at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-USA TODAY Sports
Special teams, of course, could always come calling. If Knox proves to be a menace as a blocker and/or tackler, then there could be no choice but to keep the young playmaker on the team. More likely, though, is a reduced role off of the active roster that allows him to mature.
Trey Know is working under a three-year contract siting at $2.84 million. A pretty hefty $130,000 exists as guaranteed money, suggesting Minnesota likes the upside that he offers.
Editor’s Note: Information from Sports Reference CFB, Over the Cap, and PFF helped with this piece.
K. Joudry is the Senior Editor for Vikings Territory and PurplePTSD. He has been covering the Vikings full time since the summer of 2021. He can be found on Twitter and as a co-host for Notes from the North, a humble Vikings podcast.
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Publish date : 2024-07-15 13:00:00
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