The Vikings have a veteran presence in Kyle Rudolph at the tight end position. The team also has Irv Smith Jr., a tight end who is coming off a promising rookie season in 2019.
Those two and Tyler Conklin help make up the seventh-best tight end position group in the league, according to Pro Football Focus. Here’s what the outlet said about the Vikings tight end unit:
“Rudolph has a huge frame, and while there always feels like there should be more production in there, he’s had a solid nine-year career for the Vikings. Last season, Rudolph had the No. 13 receiving grade during the regular season (76.9), though his run blocking has tapered off in recent years, given that he has graded in the 50s in this department for four consecutive seasons.
Smith brings a different skill set to the unit as more of an oversized receiver who can line up in the slot and make plays in space. He caught 39 passes for 350 yards as a rookie to go with a solid run-blocking grade of 65.4. Then there is 2018 fifth-rounder Tyler Conklin — and his 14 career catches — who will add depth to the group.”
PFF went on to say that due to question marks surrounding the Minnesota receiving position on the team, Rudolph and Smith Jr. could both see an uptick in production.