When Minnesota tight end Irv Smith Jr. went down with an injury, it seemed as though the Vikings didn’t have a great answer at the primary tight end spot.
Tyler Conklin maybe hasn’t done as well as some had hoped Smith would have this year. Although, Conklin has delivered in key moments. He has been a beacon of consistency in 2021, with just one drop on 22 targets. He’s also decent as a blocker.
Bleacher Report’s Brent Sobleski thinks Conklin is the Vikings’ hidden gem. Sobleski wrote:
“Smith, who remains on injured reserve after surgery on his meniscus, is more of an H-back or move tight end, whereas Conklin stepped in as the Y tight end. With Smith out, Conklin capitalized.
Conklin is a capable blocker and a growing receiving threat. The 26-year-old already has 13 catches for 126 yards after setting career highs last season with 19 catches for 194 yards and a touchdown.”
Overall, Minnesota offense misses Smith this year. But the Vikings at least have some decent replacements, like Conklin.