A Vikings Receiver Is Switching Positions in 2024
Every once in awhile, NFL players will change positions to better suit their current teams.
For instance, the Minnesota Vikings saw this happen just last year when offensive tackle Blake Brandel kicked inside to guard to help fill in a depth role at the position. It paid off as Brandel started two games at right guard in relief of Ed Ingram.
This year, another Vikings player is set to change his position as revealed by head coach Kevin O’Connell during his media time on Tuesday. That player is Vikings receiver N’Keal Harry, who will be making the transition to tight end in 2024.
Vikings Receiver to Change Positions in 2024
O’Connell said during his media availability that Harry is “fired up” about the change and has “attacked the process.”
This position change is just the latest chapter of what has been a very strange NFL journey for Harry since he was selected by the New England Patriots with the 32nd overall pick in 2019.
Harry had an underwhelming career in New England, catching just 57 passes for 598 yards and 4 touchdowns during his three seasons there.
In 2022, Harry was traded to the Chicago Bears where he caught 7 passes for 116 yards and a touchdown, but the Bears let him walk in free agency, ultimately signing with the Vikings later in the summer of 2023. Harry appeared in nine games for the Vikings last season, but he played just 23 snaps with the offense.
Now, Harry becomes just the latest wrinkle in Minnesota’s interesting tight end room. Of course, T.J. Hockenson would normally be the No. 1 name in that room, but an ACL tear suffered in Week 16 last season could impact when he is able to get onto the field in 2024.
Behind Hockenson, the Vikings have Josh Oliver and Johnny Mundt, who have been reliable veterans, particularly as blockers. However, neither player have been asked to consistently hold down the receiving duties of the tight end position.
That receiving duty appears to be the focus for Harry and could land him a role with the team while Hockenson continues to recover. “Anytime you’re looking to transition a receiver to the tight end position […] you’re hoping to see the receiving traits kind of lead the way,” O’Connell stated.
Hopefully, this position change can be a positive one for Harry’s career as he enters his age-27 season.
This article originally appeared on our sister-site, PurplePTSD.com.
Editor’s Note: Statistics for this article were found via Pro Football Reference.
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Josh Frey is a Class of 2020 graduate of The College of Idaho and managing editor of PurplePTSD.com. When he’s not writing about the NFL, Josh enjoys running, gaming, or rooting for the Milwaukee Brewers and Bucks. Check out his Twitter account: @Freyed_Chicken.
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