The Minnesota Vikings are looking for a bounce-back year in 2019. They missed the playoffs last season after an NFC Championship Game appearance in 2017. Heading into this season, the Vikings have one of the best skill position groups in the league.
Adam Thielen and Stefon Diggs have emerged as No. 1 options. They both have the ability to finish the season with 1,000 yards and double-digit touchdowns.
At the running back position, Dalvin Cook is a force if he can remain healthy. Kirk Cousins signed a massive contract before last season. He was viewed as the missing link on a team that had Super Bowl aspirations. One position that is far from perfect is tight end.
The John DeFilippo era is over in Minnesota after a short stretch of misery. Kevin Stefanski has stepped in as the new offensive coordinator while Gary Kubiak is on the Vikings' staff as an offensive advisor.
Together, they will be able to get the most out of the loads of talent currently on the Minnesota roster. Every starter on the Vikings will be drafted in fantasy football. their skill position players are all fantasy worthy starters aside from the tight end position.
Heading into the season, can the Vikings' tight ends be in line for a bounce-back season?
Kyle Rudolph
Rudolph has bee one of the league's most consistent tight ends over the course of five years.
He has played all 16 games in four straight seasons. In 2016, Rudolph had his best season with 83 catches for 840 yards and seven touchdowns. The following season, he scored eight touchdowns which made him a starter on many fantasy teams.
Last season, Rudolph finished with 64 catches for 634 yards and four touchdowns. This put him in the top 10 in fantasy tight ends, however, his production was misleading. In week 16, Rudolph turned in a nine catches performance where he finished with 122 yards and two touchdowns. Ge scored half of his touchdowns in one game. There were 10 games where he failed to reach five catches. Rudolph turns 30 in the middle of the season, and many believe that his best days are behind him.
Rudolph is ranked as the 21st tight end for 2019 according to ESPN. There is a lot of disrespect in that ranking when looking at the players above Rudolph.
Rookie T.J. Hockenson, Noah Fant, and Mark Andrews are all ranked higher than the former Pro Bowler.
Irv Smith Jr.
The Vikings were aware of their weakness at tight end, and they addressed it in the draft by selecting Irv Smith Jr. in the second round.
At Alabama, Smith earned second team All-SEC honors as a junior. He finished with 44 catches for 710 yards and seven touchdowns. This was an average of 16.1 yards per reception. At 6'2, 240 pounds, Smith played like a wide receiver.
Heading into the NFL, he was pegged as a strong blocker with quick feet. He has the ability to get to the edge quick. He has above average hands which makes him a threat in the pass game. Also, he will be a matchup problem for linebackers at the next level. He is a tad undersized, but that can be fixed quickly. Smith will be a big part of the Vikings' offense as a rookie.
Smith is ranked as the 27th tight end heading into 2019.
He will not be the every down starter, however, he should receive regular snaps per game.
What to Expect
The Vikings have two tight ends ranked in the 20's in fantasy. With their highest-ranked tight end being 21, there will not be many fantasy teams with a Minnesota player as their TE1.
One positive is that Cousins likes to use his tight ends. In Washington, Cousins' main target was Jordan Reed, especially in the red zone. Rudolph and Smith can be dangerous weapons over the middle in play action.
In terms of fantasy, the Vikings' tight ends will have to be a handcuff. There is no clear cut No. 1 option which makes it impossible to trust either Rudolph or Smith as a starter.
The Vikings' offense will be a good one. There are plenty of options on the field and they will all be used in their own unique ways.
When drafting, do not be shy about taking any Vikings, but be cautious when selecting one of their tight ends.
Follow Us
Subscribe