The Viking Age
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2016 Minnesota Vikings positional evaluation: Tight ends

By Adam Carlson

Oct 3, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings tight end Kyle Rudolph (82) celebrates with quarterback Sam Bradford (8) his touchdown against the New York Giants in the second quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 3, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings tight end Kyle Rudolph (82) celebrates with quarterback Sam Bradford (8) his touchdown against the New York Giants in the second quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jun 15, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings tight end Rhett Ellison (85) runs off the field after practice at mini camp. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 15, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings tight end Rhett Ellison (85) runs off the field after practice at mini camp. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports /

Rhett Ellison

Like David Morgan, Rhett Ellison isn’t thought of as a major weapon on offense. When he takes the field, the first thought is that he will be either blocking in the passing game or trying to open up some holes for the running back.

Ellison continued his trend of scoring a touchdown in each season since being kept out of the end zone as a rookie in 2012. The previous 3 years, those scores came in the passing game, but during 2016 it came on a 1 yard run.

Ending the season with 9 catches on 14 targets for 57 yards and 1 carry for 1 yard, his offensive output won’t stun anyone. However, his contributions go far beyond the yardage he gets when the football is in his hands.

Expect Ellison to be a free agent that the Minnesota Vikings focus on bringing back next year. If that happens, 2017 should be a bit of a battle between Ellison and Morgan for snaps with Rudolph getting the bulk of the tight end action.

Grade for Rhett Ellison in 2016: B

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