The Mock Drafts have been running for months and most commonly predict the Vikings to use their first-round pick on the defensive side of the ball. But if there's one thing that's certain about the NFL Draft … it's that nothing is certain. So in leading up to this year's three-day event that begins with Round 1 on April 23, 2026, we're previewing prospects by position groups (all except quarterback, where the Vikings have four players on the roster, and specialists, where the Vikings have a trio of All-Pros). This draft prospect series will include rankings by national outlets, stats and background information for multiple prospects.
Next up is tight end, a position the experts see as having one standout — Oregon's Kenyon Sadiq — and some quality depth options in later rounds. League pundits interestingly vary greatly in their ranking of players after Sadiq.
Vikings status at tight end
Currently on the Vikings roster are veteran tight ends Josh Oliver and T.J. Hockenson, the latter of whom agreed in March to a restructured contract that provided Minnesota with more salary cap flexibility. Youngsters Ben Yurosek, Gavin Bartholomew and Bryson Nesbitt also are returning.
Oliver stood out last season not only as a blocker, which he's long since been highly touted for, but also in the passing game. He tied for the Vikings lead in receiving touchdowns with four, which included a 32-yard TD pass by running back Cam Akers in London. Oliver's 141.3 rating generated on targeted passes ranked 12th overall in the NFL in 2025 — and fourth among players with at least 15 catches.
Hockenson also fared respectably, generating a rating of 109.3, but was called upon more than is typical to support the Vikings pass-blocking efforts.
The Vikings drafted Bartholomew out of Pittsburgh almost a year ago, but a back injury sidelined the TE for his entire rookie campaign. Yurosek joined the team as an undrafted free agent and contributed on special teams and offense, recording two catches for 14 yards. Nesbitt spent the 2025 season on Minnesota's practice squad.