Kyle Rudolph and Irv Smith Jr. can co-exist
For years, the Vikings have been trying to prepare themselves for life without Kyle Rudolph. To the 29-year-old tight end’s credit, all he’s done is continue to produce.
Rudolph’s agent Brian Murphy reminded everyone of this by showing off a tweet on his Instagram account which stated that Rudolph is one of just three NFL tight ends to post 200 receptions and 2,000 receiving yards since 2016 along with Philadelphia’s Zach Ertz and Kansas City’s Travis Kelce.
Even with his sneaky production, the Vikings continued to search for a more athletic tight end and they ended up selecting Alabama’s Irv Smith Jr. in the second round of the draft this year.
While the initial reaction made many wonder if Rudolph would remain with Minnesota past his upcoming contract year, Spielman seemed to hint during his press conference after Day 2 that both Smith and Rudolph can both get theirs in the team’s offense.
"“I think when you watch the Alabama tape and see how you can utilize his skillset in many different ways to create mismatches. Because I think he can create mismatches with linebackers or if safeties get on him. At tight end, that type of tight end we haven’t had here and I know that’s a big part of Gary Kubiak’s offense and Kevin Stefanski’s offense right now.”"
Spielman went on to compare Smith to Jordan Reed, who was Kirk Cousins’ tight end back in Washington and was also someone who formed his own tandem with veteran tight end Vernon Davis.
With other teams using more two tight end sets, such as the Philadelphia Eagles who utilize Ertz with 2018 draft pick Dallas Goedert, there’s a chance that Rudolph’s demise could be greatly exaggerated.