5 Minnesota Vikings roster spots up for grabs in the 2021 preseason

Tight End No. 3

The Vikings definitely don’t have any questions at the top of their tight end depth chart. With his combination of hands, speed, and ability to break free after the catch, Irv Smith Jr. is due for a breakout season. He’s already putting together a solid camp and he looks to be trending in that direction.

Tyler Conklin has also made some impressive catches in camp, and after showing what he can do  a season ago, is set to have his best year in the league. The question comes after those two. Minnesota might only keep three tight ends this year. So who will round out the trifecta?

Brandon Dillon is the veteran option. The guy has defied the odds before and made the team after showing good route-running and sticky hands in camp and in the preseason. He does need some work as a blocker but if he continues to develop, he’ll be very hard to let go.

He’ll be challenged by rookie Zach Davidson. Davidson has elite size at 6-foot-7 and has already made some highlight-reel catches during the OTA sessions. Many could see him being the favorite since he was a fifth-round pick, and while that may be true, if he stumbles or has a setback in camp, the team won’t hesitate to go with Dillon if he proves to be the better option at the end of August.