​Brad Rempel-Imagn ImagesSome fans would say outside linebacker; others would shout backup guard. But NFL.com came along last week, claiming the Minnesota Vikings’ main roster need heading into 2026 is at tight end.And that’s despite employing T.J. Hockenson and Josh Oliver at TE1 and TE2, respectively. Matt Okada just doesn’t think that’s enough firepower.Hockenson’s Role Makes the Depth Question Easy to MissMinnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson (87) carries the ball after a reception while defended by Atlanta Falcons safety Billy Bowman Jr. (33) during second-half action on September 14, 2025, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. Hockenson’s ability to gain yards after the catch remained central to Minnesota’s passing attack as the Vikings worked to establish offensive rhythm. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images.NFL.com: Vikings Need TE HelpOkada combed through the NFL, identifying one roster need per team, landing on tight end for the purple team. He explained, “Once upon a time (three years ago), T.J. Hockenson was a strong starting tight end. In two seasons since, he has totaled just 893 yards and three touchdowns. Vikings TEs accumulated the fourth-fewest receiving yards in the league in 2025.”“And they did nothing to improve the position this offseason. While Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison and Jauan Jennings are a strong wide receiver trio, a lack of production at tight end lowers the ceiling for the Vikings and their yet-to-be-named starting quarterback.”Generally speaking, it’s unlikely that Minnesota would invest heavily in a tight end trade or signing this summer, aside from perhaps something minimal, like Darren Waller in free agency. The Group Doesn’t Lack OptionsHere’s the Vikings’ TE depth chart ahead of training camp:TE1: T.J. HockensonTE2: Josh OliverTE3: Ben YurosekTE4: Gavin BartholomewTE5: Bryson NesbitTE6: Marshall LangHockenson, barring injury, is guaranteed to get the lion’s share of passing game targets from Kyler Murray or J.J. McCarthy. Oliver is Minnesota’s blocking-TE asset. And Yurosek and Bartholomew will do battle at training camp for the TE3 job.Nov 10, 2024; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Minnesota Vikings tight end Josh Oliver (84) before the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Morgan Tencza-Imagn ImagesOkada thinks the group is underwhelming or mid.A Rebound Season for Hockenson?Hockenson tore his ACL late in the 2023 season, and based on his production, he hasn’t quite been the same since. He totaled 960 receiving yards in 15 games that year, but in 2024 and 2025, he’s accrued 893 yards combined. Hockenson averaged about 35 receiving yards per game in those two seasons. While his numbers from 2024 and 2025 are not bad, he’s paid among the richest tight ends in the NFL, and if a team spends top dollar on a TE1, that guy should get close to 1,000 yards per season or exceed it. Instead, Hockenson’s role has changed, while h