Let’s Debate! The Best Tight Ends In Minnesota Vikings Franchise History
By: Ross Blilie
3–23–2023
By now you should have read the two articles I wrote on the best running backs and wide receivers in Minnesota Vikings franchise history. If you haven’t had a chance yet, I encourage you to do so. It’s pretty interesting to see how the older players stack up to the newer players. Some stats aren’t real close, but some are.
For example, the average yards per rush for the running backs is interesting because no matter the decade they were in, the average yards per rush is very similar. There is one exception, though. Adrian Peterson’s average yards per rush is much higher than most of the other running backs because every time he ran, he gained about ten yards. In addition, his speed and strength is unbelievable.
When it comes to the Tight End position, I think you have to look at a couple things to determine the rankings. One, do they block the majority of the time on the field? Or do they do both, go out for passes and stay in and block?
For the Vikings, I think they like to utilize alot of two tight end sets. In the past, I believe that they have had some tight ends that strictly block and some that are more of a dual threat. I think everyone would know that TJ Hockenson is a utility player. When Kyle Rudolph played for the Vikings, I think he was a utility player as well, however, his pass catching ability was really good. I just think he had a lack of targets and his statline suffered because of it. Irv Smith, Jr was supposed to replace Rudolph, but his injuries didn’t allow him to play much. When Hockenson came onboard, he definitely took Rudolph’s spot.
So who are some Tight Ends you can name? Kyle Rudolph, Irv Smith Jr, TJ Hockenson, Steve Jordan, Jim Kleinsasser, Stu Voight, Jerry Reichow, and Mike Tice. There are some names I didn’t add, but you can research them later if you want.
If I were to rank the five best players in franchise history, here is my list.
- Steve Jordan
- TJ Hockenson
- Kyle Rudolph
- Jim Kleinsasser
- Stu Voight
I ranked Steve Jordan number one because he holds all the stat records in franchise history. He is the prototype that all the new tight ends are based on. Alot of other experts say that Jordan is the greatest tight end in Vikings history, and I agree.
I ranked TJ Hockenson number two because ever since he came to the team, he has made a huge contribution. He even set a franchise record! Hockenson as a utility player allows him to have big play ability when it’s neccessary. A combination of his size, speed, and strength allow him to be the utility guy that O’Connell needs in his offense.
I ranked Kyle Rudolph third because he darn near mirrorred Steve Jordan’s career. Up until he got hurt, from 2015 -2019, Rudolph started all sixteen games and averaged nine catches a game. In addition, he scored an average of eight times in a season. Overall, he has fifty touchdown catches in his Vikings career; that’s only five behind Adam Thielen.
To wrap this up, I think it’s important to take into account the role the tight end player had while he was with the team. If you agree or disagree with my list, let me know in the comments. Otherwise, thanks for taking the time to read this.
Ross Blilie is an avid NFL fan of the Minnesota Vikings since the 1990’s. He loves to talk about the NFL and the Vikings every chance he gets. His hobbies also include bowling with his wife and friends, narrating audiobooks, fishing, and even sitting by a campfire with family at Lake Blackduck in Minnesota. You can find Ross on twitter & Instagram @Rossthenarrator.
