Anmeldung » Contracts and age make this a more pressing issue than

some might think"WhiteFanposts Fanshots Sections Vikings 2018 SeasonVikings 2019 OffseasonU.S. Bank StadiumMinnesota Vikings PodcastsMinnesota Vikings 2019 NFL DraftMinnesota Vikings Top 5 Draft Needs: Tight End Irv Smith Jersey nfl draft , #3New,108commentsContracts and age make this a more pressing issue than some might thinkCDTShareTweetShareShareMinnesota Vikings Top 5 Draft Needs: Tight End, #3Tim Fuller-USA TODAY SportsWe are now, officially, just a couple of days away from the 2019 NFL Draft in Nashville, and we’re doing one final rundown of what the Minnesota Vikings’ biggest needs are as we approach Draft Weekend. I’ve looked at the running back spot as well as the cornerback position, and now we’re on to what I believe is the third-biggest need for the purple going into the annual selection meeting.Like the cornerback position, the tight end spot is probably not one that a lot of Vikings’ fans are going to see as an immediate need. However, with the team’s current contracts at the position and the age of the top guy on the depth chart, it’s definitely something that the team is going to need to look into.Current Vikings tight ends: Kyle Rudolph (starter), Tyler Conklin, Cole Hikutini, David MorganRudolph is in the final year of his contract, and carries one of the biggest cap hits for the Vikings this year. He’s publicly declared that he would like for the Vikings to extend his contract, but to this point they have not done so. . .unusual, I think, given that an extension to his contract would provide the Vikings some much-needed cap relief this season. I don’t know if that signals that Rudolph isn’t really part of the team’s long-term plans Everson Griffen Jersey , but for now I think that’s an assumption we have to make.Morgan is also in the final year of his contract, and could end up being one of those guys that actually makes a decent amount of money on the open market during the offseason if the Vikings don’t lock him up to a second contract here sometime soon. Conklin caught just five passes in his rookie season, and though he might be pushed into a larger role this season, it’s tough to envision that at this point. Hikutini was on the practice squad last year, and has just two receptions in two NFL seasons.Who they could look at and when: I understand that the Vikings have other, more significant needs to fill. . .after all, there are still two other positions to go on this list. However, if either of the Iowa tight ends, T.J. Hockenson or Noah Fant, were to fall to the Vikings at #18, I don’t think I’d hate the Vikings taking either of them. Hockenson is more of an all-around tight end with better in-line blocking ability, but Fant looks like he could be one of those “move” pieces that creates mismatches everywhere, and there are a lot of top NFL offenses that have a guy like that to utilize. I’m not sure if either of those guys will make it to #18, but if they did they would certainly have to be a consideration for Rick Spielman and company.Hockenson and Fant are the only two tight ends currently expected to go in Round 1, from everything I’ve been seeing. So, if the Vikings chose to wait, they could have some options on Day 2 as well. Someone line Jace Sternberger out of Texas A&M could be a consideration if the Vikings are looking for more of a receiving tight end. Sternberger’s blocking abilities are pretty much zero Anthony Barr Jersey , but he does have the size and speed to be a solid pass-catching tight end. I don’t think Irv Smith from Alabama is going to make it to the mid-second, but if he does the Vikings should definitely be in on him as well.Should the Vikings choose to wait even longer, a name I keep coming back to is Donald Parham. Parham played at Stetson, an FCS school, but he has the physical skills to be a great weapon as a receiver. At 6’8”, teams aren’t going to be able to match up with him, and if he can adjust to the level of competition, he could be a steal. Other Day 3 tight end options for the Vikings could include Josh Oliver of San Jose State, Caleb Wilson of UCLA, and Foster Moreau of LSU, though Moreau projects to be more of an in-line blocking tight end in the NFL than a receiving threat.We’ve got two more spots to go on our list of the Vikings’ top 5 draft needs for this year’s draft, and we’ll get them to you over the next couple of days.Sunday Open Thread: August 19th, 2018 Good Morning!Well that was a mess yesterday wasn’t it?What was worse was having to listen to the local broadcast, I’ve had dry toast that was more entertaining and enlightening.While we’re waiting impatiently for the regular season we’ll continue with our daily thread full of beer recommendations, nap strategies, crock pot and smoker recipes. Have another cup of coffee and drop by for some fan wisdom and snark. It’s hawt taek Sunday, so if you have one feel free to drop it here. Around the DN since our last thread:Check out your Vikings Stock Market Report with Ted.HC Mike Zimmer says that Cedrick Lang will be going on injured reserve and he’s probably not the only one Mike Hughes Jersey , via Chris.NFL Network goes full “Heidi Game,” cuts off final minutes of Vikings/Jaguars.The NFL’s new helmet rule is going to cost someone a game.Vikings news from other sources:From Vikings.com HC Mike Zimmer talked to the media after the game as did QB Kirk Cousins and DE Brian Robison.At 1500espn Judd Zulgad ponders that theVikings 1st team offense has plenty of work to do, also ten or so players who stood out during yesterday’s game.League news: From NFL.com “what we learned from yesterday’s preseason games.Top rookie highlights from yesterday’s action.We come to today’s media selection: AC/DC-Let There Be Rock.Again, we all know the rules, but in case someone is new:-No discussion of politics or religion-No feeding of the trolls-This isn’t a male version of The View, so leave the gender hatred at the door-Keep the bad language to a minimum (using the spoiler tags, if you must)-Speaking of which, if discussing a newer show or movie, please use spoiler tags-No pictures that could get someone fired or in serious trouble with their employer-If you can’t disagree in a civil manner, feel free to go away-While navigating the open thread, just assume it’s sarcasmWith that, the beer light is on and the bar is open. Belly up and tie one on. Don’t forget to tip your waitress, try the venison chili and as always, Welcome Aboard and Skol Vikings!