What the Vikings can expect from their Day 3 draft picks in 2021
By Luke Parrish
Zach Davidson – TE (Central Missouri)
The Vikings moved on from Kyle Rudolph this year as they shift to a future of Tyler Conklin and Irv Smith Jr. at tight end. Those two have the top of the depth chart locked up, but there are questions behind them.
Zach Davidson was a solid developmental pick that likely winds up on the practice squad this season, but he is worth keeping around for the future.
Brandon Dillon is currently the only other tight end on Minnesota’s roster behind Conklin and Smith, so there will definitely be an ongoing competition. Davidson is a massive receiving threat that can be a solid addition to the passing game down the road. At 6-foot-7, Davidson brings size and athleticism to the bottom of the tight end depth chart, which seems to be a trend for the Vikings.
Don’t expect Davidson to hit the field in 2021. But if reports come out that he is shining in training camp this summer, that also would not be a surprise. He did not play in 2020 after his season was canceled. Mix this with a jump from Division II to the NFL and Davidson probably has a long way to go before he is ready for the NFL.
And although Davidson was a punter at Central Missouri, it seems safe to assume there is no shot he punts for the Vikings at any point in the future. 2021 should be a redshirt year for the promising tight end as Minnesota explores the future at the position.