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Way too early Vikings 53-man roster prediction

By Jake Andersen

Oct 18, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer (L) speaks with general manager Rick Spielman (R) prior to their game against the Kansas City Chiefs at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 18, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer (L) speaks with general manager Rick Spielman (R) prior to their game against the Kansas City Chiefs at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports /
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Tight End

Jan 1, 2017; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings tight end Kyle Rudolph (82) celebrates his touchdown with quarterback Sam Bradford (8) during the second quarter against the Chicago Bears at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2017; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings tight end Kyle Rudolph (82) celebrates his touchdown with quarterback Sam Bradford (8) during the second quarter against the Chicago Bears at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /

TEs: Kyle Rudolph, David Morgan, Nick Truesdell, Bucky Hodges

Kyle Rudolph will head the tight end unit after posting his most successful season with the Vikings. Developing a quick connection with Bradford, Rudolph posted 83 catches for 840 yards and 7 TDs.

Joining Rudolph as the blocking tight end will be David Morgan, who is heading into his second season with the Vikings. Thus far, Morgan has shown signs of improvement in team activities and seems locked into a role as a blocker with Rhett Ellison leaving for the New York Giants.

Finishing out the unit, I have Nick Truesdell and Bucky Hodges entering the mix.

Truesdell, signed after playing three seasons in the Arena Football League, has eye-popping size at 6-foot-7, 252 pounds. Interestingly, he was included, along with Morgan, as someone that has been impressive over the offseason. He will be someone to watch come training camp and the preseason.

As for Hodges, he also has legitimate size for the position at 6-foot-6, 257 pounds. Mainly lining up outside as a receiver at Virginia Tech, Hodges will have to drastically improve his blocking skills in order to make a good impression at tight end.

Yet, I see Shurmur finding ways to use Hodges as a pass catcher, especially in the red zone, as he was able to score 20 TDs at Virginia Tech in three seasons.

If he reaches his potential, he could become a tight end that’s comparable to Jimmy Graham. Hodges could give the Vikings someone that can lineup inside and out, creating mismatches for opposing defenses.

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