The Minnesota Vikings are firmly entrenched in OTAs and are progressing toward training camp at TCO Performance Center. This will be the third season under head coach Kevin O'Connell and general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and it's also a turning point in the future of the organization.
To prepare for the pivotal 2024 season, we will be breaking down each player on the 90-man roster leading up to training camp. In this series, we will be looking into their background, scheme fit, best and worst case scenario along with what to expect from each player. It will also help gain more insight on each player going into the year, especially with players who haven't gotten much fanfare.
Will Trey Knox earn a Vikings roster spot?
Background
Knox was a three-star recruit as a wide receiver who committed to Arkansas in the class of 2019. He spent four years with the Razorbacks. He was a wide receiver as a true freshman before moving to tight end. Knox also made the SEC fall academic honor roll his final three years. Once he transferred to South Carolina, Knox had his best season. He caught 37 passes for 312 yards and two touchdowns. His PFF grades are slightly below average with grades of 50.0 overall and in run blocking along with a 50.2 in the passing game.
Scheme fit
Knox is at his best as a pass catcher where he displays good route running in multiple facets. Being relatively new to the tight end position, there is still a lot to learn along with developing the core strength needed to be a good blocker. Because he was a wide receiver, there was a lot of carryover from that position and it will help him early on.
Best case scenario
Knox was guaranteed $120k so the team does have some belief in his abilities. With T.J. Hockenson out with injury for the first part of the year, Josh Oliver and Johnny Mundt aren't likely to see a lot of snaps during the preseason, which will open the door for Knox to get playing time. He could compete with Nick Muse for a roster spot.
Worst case scenario
The aforementioned Muse and Robert Tonyan play really good football and prevent Knox from seeing the field much during the preseason or in a lesser role. Opportunities are going to be huge for Knox to show what he has, especially in the passing game because his run blocking isn't quite there yet.
What to expect in 2024
Knox has an intriguing profile. As a former wide receiver, Knox can become a mismatch in the passing game. He has the size and length to me a weapon down the field and his explosiveness scores are good, which could allow him to take advantage of second level defenders in coverage.
Now, that doesn't mean that Knox is going to make the team. He is likely to make the practice squad and become the new Muse: a developmental tight end that could end up being a good player down the line.
Previous player profiles
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