Minnesota Vikings helmet (Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images)
A veteran NFL wide receiver and former first-round pick will aim to revive his career by trying out a different position.
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell reported that wide receiver N’Keal Harry is making the switch to tight end, per Michael David Smith of Pro Football Talk:
“N’Keal is really fired up about it. He has attacked the process, long before we even got started in the offseason program. But you’re hoping to see the receiving traits lead the way early on, as they get a little more comfort in maybe having their hand down, being a part of run schemes, the different kind of run schemes that we’re implementing, and N’Keal has shown that…
At this stage in his career a position change is unique, but we’re hoping we’re developing a guy who can be a real third-down weapon, red-zone weapon, with his skill set.”
The 6-foot-4, 225-pound Harry was selected 32nd overall by the New England Patriots in the 2019 NFL Draft. Bill Belichick infamously took the Arizona State wideout over several other future star WRs, including Deebo Samuel, A.J. Brown, DK Metcalf, Dionte Johnson and Terry McLaurin.
N’Keal Harry never panned out in New England, tallying just 57 receptions for 598 yards and four touchdowns over his three seasons (33 game appearances) in Foxborough. A trade to the Chicago Bears didn’t help Harry, who hauled in just seven receptions for 116 yards and one TD in the 2022 NFL season.
The Vikings signed N’Keal Harry during the 2023 season. Harry saw minimal playing time on offense and was mostly used as a special teams player in the nine games he suited up for.
Minnesota’s top tight end, TJ Hockenson, is recovering from a season-ending ACL tear that he suffered in Week 16 against the Detroit Lions. It’s still unclear if Hockenson will return for Week 1, when the Vikings kick off their 2024 season with a road tilt against the New York Giants.
Last Chance For N’Keal Harry To Save His NFL Career
If N’Keal Harry is going to shed the bust label, this is his last opportunity.
It was easy to blame Belichick in New England, since he has a long track record of drafting draft busts at WR. And in Chicago, Harry was stuck on football’s worst team with a 3-14 record.
Harry gets one more chance to do so on a star-studded Minnesota offense that features one of the league’s best offensive minds in O’Connell.
