This week we continue breaking down the Minnesota Vikings position by position. We’ve already covered the quarterbacks, running backs and wide receivers, so this week we shift our attention to the tight ends. All stats are from Sharp Football.
2019 Tight End stats (and NFL rank):
56.7% of offensive plays with multiple tight ends on the field (2nd)
24% of the passes were thrown to a TE (9th)
6.7ypa on passes thrown to a TE (23rd)
The Vikings like using tight ends. A lot. And with the departure of Stefon Diggs, those numbers will likely increase in 2020. There are currently five tight ends on the roster, and only three will make it through final cuts.
Kyle Rudolph had 39 receptions for 367 yards and six touchdowns last season, stats that were only topped by Diggs and Dalvin Cook. There was speculation last offseason that he might be a cap casualty, but the team put those rumors to rest when they rewarded him with a contract extension. Rudolph showed his appreciation by catching a playoff-winning touchdown against the New Orleans Saints. The former second-round pick is thirty years old and is entering his tenth season in the NFL. Barring some unforeseen circumstance, Rudolph will once again be TE1 in 2020.
Backing up Rudolph is second-year player Irv Smith Jr. who showed tons of potential in his rookie year, catching 36 passes for 311 yards and two touchdowns. Not only did Irv show a natural ability to catch the ball, but his athleticism after the catch was impressive too. Perhaps the best part of his game, however, was his better-than-advertised blocking. If he continues to improve, the Vikings will have a lethal combination at TE.
With two of the tight end spots locked up, it will be a three-way battle to make the 53-man roster. Tyler Conklin is the front runner at this moment, but he only caught eight passes for 55 yards in 15 games last season. Entering his third year he will need to show improvement this offseason or else the Vikings might decide to cut bait and give a younger guy a shot.
Brandon Dillon was a rookie last season and was only active for one game before being sent back to the practice squad. Coming from a small school (Marian), Dillon is a bit of a project and will likely be fighting for a spot on the practice squad.
Nakia Griffin-Stewart is the final tight end on the roster. This rookie is another project who will be behind the eight ball because of the lack of a regular offseason program. He will be battling Brandon Dillon for the practice squad. Fun fact about Nakia: he was born on 1/1/2000. Does that make anyone else feel old or is it just me?
Do you think Rudolph or Smith Jr. will lead the TE group in receptions this season? Reach out to me on Twitter (@JordanWrightNFL) and let me know. And make sure to check out next week’s article, where we break down the offensive line. Skol!