Minnesota Vikings: Preliminary 53-man roster analysis
By Luke Sims
Jul 27, 2015; Mankato, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings tight end Kyle Rudolph (82) catches a pass in drills at training camp at Minnesota State University. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
Tight End: Kyle Rudolph, Rhett Ellison, Chase Ford, MyCole Pruitt
Keeping four tight ends isn’t a shock for the Minnesota Vikings. Each of these players add something to the team and enable the Vikes to be more complete.
The big guy to watch for the fifth year in a row is Kyle Rudolph. An excellent player who is working on becoming a more complete player, he has the potential to be someone special in 2015. He hasn’t been on the field for a full 16 games in two seasons, but if he can stay healthy then he’ll be in great shape.
Chase Ford found himself battling for a roster spot after an impressive 2014 campaign. The Vikings decided to keep the tight end around, but I doubt he’ll see as many opportunities as he did last season, especially if Rudolph can stay on the field.
On the whole, this is a group burgeoning with potential. Rudolph needs to stay healthy and improve as a run blocker, Ford needs to prove he can be a quality depth tight end, Rhett Ellison and MyCole Pruitt must prove they warrant roster spots still (in my mind). I wouldn’t be shocked to see the team look at moving one of these players as they seek to improve elsewhere.
That said, the Vikings brass likes the group they have at tight end and it’s possible these players won’t change heading into the season. I think there is room for fine tuning and improvement.
Next: Is offensive line strong enough to overcome?