Last season, the Minnesota Vikings made a trade for tight end T.J. Hockenson at the trade deadline. That move solidified the starter at the position for the foreseeable future. They followed it up at the start of free agency by signing Josh Oliver.
With the NFL Draft approaching, teams frequently make unexpected picks. Although it’s unlikely that the Vikings will use their high draft picks on a tight end, it’s still worth examining the draft class. Therefore, I have chosen one tight end from each round of the draft who could potentially be a good fit for the Vikings.
1st Round: Notre Dame's Michael Mayer
The Vikings are unlikely to draft Mayer in the first round due to their limited draft capital and other needs. However, Mayer’s talent is unquestionable and he is one of the best in this draft class. He has the ability to make any catch and is strongest as a pass catcher. Opposing defenders cannot match his size, making him a valuable asset. Additionally, he can start right away in the NFL.
2nd Round: Georgia's Darnell Washington
Washington is one of the most physical tight ends in this draft class. He has a reputation for dominating as a blocker, but what really piques interest about Washington is his potential upside as a pass catcher. With his big frame, he could become a nightmare for opposing defenses to defend at the next level
3rd Round: Iowa's Sam LaPorta
LaPorta is an athletic tight end who has previous experience playing as a wide receiver. LaPorta’s experience as a receiver is evident in his ability to catch passes naturally and be a threat in the receiving game. While blocking is not his strong suit, LaPorta has the potential to become a reliable chain mover at the next level.
4th Round: South Dakota State's Tucker Kraft
Kraft’s size and tremendous potential make him an intriguing prospect. He’s difficult to tackle after catching the ball and can line up anywhere on the field due to his versatility. Even though his blocking requires improvement, Kraft’s athleticism and pass-catching ability indicate that he is likely to be a reliable starter at the next level.
5th Round: Miami's Will Mallory
Mallory may not be the most athletic tight end in this class, but he projects to be a reliable backup on any team while he develops at the next level. He lacks the ability to gain separation, but he shines in the passing game as a sure-handed receiver. Mallory is available in round five because he needs to work on several areas such as improving his blocking and enhancing his route-running skills.
6th Round: Old Dominon's Zack Kuntz
At 6’8″, Kuntz possesses the size and receiving ability to create mismatches at the next level. After transferring from Penn State, he had a successful few seasons with Old Dominion before he got hurt. Kuntz showcased his speed, ability to fight for extra yards, and proficiency in running routes during his time at Old Dominion. However, his blocking ability still requires improvement. Kuntz is a prospect worth developing, as he tested out with a perfect 10.0 Relative Athletic Score.
Zack Kuntz is a TE prospect in the 2023 draft class. He scored a 10.00 RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 1 out of 1020 TE from 1987 to 2023. https://t.co/mpZ9CLNDkc #RAS pic.twitter.com/npOjG7HQZW
— Kent Lee Platte (@MathBomb) March 5, 2023
7th Round: Oklahoma's Brayden Willis
In this class, Willis stands out as one of the top blocking tight ends. As a lead blocker for the Sooners, he displayed his versatility and projects to be best as an H-back. Despite demonstrating some receiving potential, Willis needs further work in this area. Teams can appreciate his eagerness to contribute as a blocker, but he must bulk up and increase his strength to excel at the next level.
