Minnesota Vikings: Grading every 2018 NFL Draft pick

Grade: A-

Man, I love this pick. I was one of the folks who believed that the Vikings needed to find another exceptional receiving threat at tight end. Well, they did exactly that with the selection of Tyler Conklin here in the fifth round.

In fact, back in March, I actually mocked Conklin to Minnesota in the sixth round. Although I apparently thought he’d survive through the fifth round, I have no problem with the Vikings grabbing him here at No. 157.

Why? Well he’s a standout receiving threat with a big catch radius and sneaky athleticism. A former basketball player with a 6-3, 254-pound frame, Conklin also isn’t afraid to get physical as a blocker. There’s still work to be done in that department, but he’s willing to mix it up in the trenches and should emerge as a capable contributor on any given down.

Kyle Rudolph obviously holds all the cards in Minnesota’s tight end room. On top of that, David Morgan is one of the best blocking tight ends in the league, but he does lack receiving skills. With Conklin now in the mix, Cousins has another weapon to work with who can provide the Vikings with more formation flexibility.