Vikings Training Camp 2018: Previewing the tight ends
By Chris Schad
The Rookie:
Tyler Conklin
While Kyle Rudolph is the steak of the tight end group, 2018 fifth-round pick Tyler Conklin figures to bring the sizzle. With John DiFilippo’s new offense requiring a “move” tight end, the Vikings needed someone with a little more athleticism to put pressure on defenses.
What they got was a rookie tight end that can be a sneaky factor in the passing game. Conklin racked up solid numbers (42 rec. 560 yards, six touchdowns) during his sophomore year before a jones fracture slowed him down during his senior season (35 rec. 504 yards, five touchdowns in eight games).
He still put enough on tape for Minnesota to believe that he can find a role in their offense.
While nobody will confuse him for Rob Gronkowski right away, Conklin could be a player similar to what Trey Burton was for the Philadelphia Eagles last season. That would add another dimension to the Vikings’ offense.