Rick Spielman Not Focused On Tight Ends In Draft
By Adam Carlson
Oct 13, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings tight end Kyle Rudolph (82) catches a pass as Carolina Panthers safety Quintin Mikell (27) tackles him in the second quarter at Mall of America Field at H.H.H. Metrodome. Panthers win 35-10. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
The Vikings have so many needs at so many positions, that you’d expect general manager Rick Spielman to be watching every single combine participant closely. However, Spielman was seen reviewing his notes and gathering other information about players while one certain group were on the field. And that was the tight ends.
"“We have pretty good tight ends, so I wasn’t really focusing on that,” Spielman said. “There’s some depth at that position. I know there’s some guys that have some character issues at that position. But we’ve got them all graded and stuff. We’ve kind of focused on some other areas.”"
Spielman definitely has a point. Minnesota has quite a good group of tight ends right now. Here is the current group on the roster:
Dec 1, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings tight end John Carlson (89) is tackled by Chicago Bears safety Craig Steltz (20) during the third quarter at Mall of America Field at H.H.H. Metrodome. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Kyle Rudolph
John Carlson
Rhett Ellison
Chase Ford
With those gentlemen available for the next season and looking healthy, there isn’t much reason to pursue one in free agency or the draft. Each of the team’s tight ends have stepped in at a certain point in the season and played at a reasonable level. Tight ends should be showcased in the Vikings new offense, so their role should be expanded pretty well.
Minnesota should be looking to fill spots at other positions this offseason. With free agency opening soon, it should get pretty exciting for fans waiting for some activity with their team.