Vikings Training Camp 2019: Previewing the tight ends

The Minnesota Vikings are transitioning to a more modern role for their tight ends, but a variety of skill sets make this an intriguing group.

For years, the Minnesota Vikings have been stuck in the stone age when it comes to the usage of their tight end. Despite having one of the greatest tight ends in the history of the franchise, it has always seemed like the Vikings could do more to make Kyle Rudolph one of the focal points of their offense.

Even with Rudolph ranking toward the top of the franchise in several categories among tight ends, the fast-paced, hybrid receiver prototype that tight ends have become in the NFL has made it seem like the Vikings are stuck in the mud. After years of trying to find a complement to the plodding Rudolph, the Vikings hope that they’ve found their answer in Irv Smith Jr.

Smith will be a wildcard this season as the Vikings look to include more wrinkles to keep defenses from focusing on Adam Thielen and Stefon Diggs.

With Rudolph also securing a payday that will keep him in Minnesota for the next four years, the Vikings will have the best of both worlds with a steady veteran and an explosive rookie that should help Minnesota take it up a notch in 2019.