NFL Draft 2018: 4 tight ends the Minnesota Vikings could possibly select
By Adam Patrick
Mike Gesicki, Penn State
Measurements:
- 6-foot-5
- 247 pounds
2017 Stats:
- 57 catches
- 563 yards, 9 touchdowns
Draft Projection: Rounds 2-4
If the Vikings are looking for Kyle Rudolph’s eventual replacement in this draft, Gesicki could be their guy. He’s not a very flashy player, but he gets the job done.
Gesicki is at his best during jump-ball opportunities. In 2017, he hauled in 75 percent of his contested targets (9 of 12) according to Pro Football Focus. That rate was second-best among FBS tight ends last year.
At the NFL level, building up his strength is something he will have to work on. Gesicki would normally be in correct blocking position while at Penn State, he just didn’t get a ton of push on his blocks.
If he’s still around in the fifth round this year, Minnesota could take a chance on the young tight end.