The Minnesota Vikings have been making some interesting moves this offseason, and their latest twist is certainly a sweet one. Despite already having a solid group of tight ends on their roster, the Vikings have decided to add even more depth to the position. While some may question this decision, there are plenty of reasons why it’s a smart move for the team.
First and foremost, having multiple tight ends on the roster provides the Vikings with versatility and options. With the NFL becoming increasingly pass-heavy, having a variety of tight ends who can catch and block effectively is crucial. It allows the team to mix up their offensive schemes and keep opposing defenses on their toes. Plus, in the event of injuries, the Vikings will have plenty of capable replacements ready to step in and contribute.
One of the new additions to the Vikings’ tight end group is former Tennessee Titan, MyCole Pruitt. Pruitt is a versatile player who can line up at multiple positions and has shown flashes of potential in his previous NFL seasons. He may not have put up huge numbers in his career thus far, but with the right coaching and opportunity, he could become a valuable asset for the Vikings.
Another new face at tight end is Brandon Dillon, who was signed as an undrafted free agent out of Marian University. While Dillon may not have the name recognition of some of the other tight ends on the roster, he has the size and athleticism to make an impact. At 6’5″ and 260 pounds, he has the potential to be a red zone threat and a reliable blocker in the run game.
But it’s not just the new additions that make the Vikings’ tight end group so intriguing. They also have a talented group of returning players, including Kyle Rudolph, Irv Smith Jr., and Tyler Conklin. Rudolph, a two-time Pro Bowler, is a reliable veteran presence who has been a consistent contributor for the Vikings since he was drafted in 2011. Smith Jr., a second-round pick in 2019, showed flashes of potential in his rookie season and is expected to take on a bigger role in the offense this year. And Conklin, a fifth-round pick in 2018, has steadily improved and could be in line for a breakout season.
With so much talent at the tight end position, the Vikings’ offense has the potential to be even more dynamic and unpredictable. Quarterback Kirk Cousins will have a variety of weapons at his disposal, making it difficult for defenses to key in on one particular player. This will not only benefit the passing game but also open up opportunities for the running backs and other receivers.
Furthermore, the addition of more tight ends could also signal a shift in the Vikings’ offensive philosophy. In recent years, they have relied heavily on the run game, but with the addition of more pass-catching tight ends, they could be looking to become more of a balanced offense. This would not only keep defenses guessing but also help prolong the careers of running backs Dalvin Cook and Alexander Mattison.
Of course, there are always risks involved when making roster moves, and some may argue that the Vikings should have focused on other areas of need. However, it’s clear that the team sees the value in having a deep and talented group of tight ends. And with the potential for injuries and the uncertainty of the upcoming season, having more depth at any position is never a bad thing.
In conclusion, the Minnesota Vikings’ decision to add more tight ends to their roster is a smart and strategic move. It provides the team with versatility, depth, and options on offense, which will only make them a more dangerous team to face. With a talented group of returning players and promising new additions, the Vikings’ tight end group is shaping up to be one of the best in the league. So let’s embrace this offseason twist and get excited for what’s to come for the Vikings in the upcoming season. Skol!
