With a change at quarterback, the Minnesota Vikings are going to be relying more on their pass catchers than ever before. Whether it's Sam Darnold or J.J. McCarthy, they will be pivotal in the Vikings' offense running at full power this season.
The tight ends specifically are going to be ones to watch. T.J. Hockenson is likely to be out at least the first 4-6 weeks recovering from a torn ACL and there isn't a guarantee that he will be ready to go at any specific point.
The depth at tight end is going to have to step up in a major way. Josh Oliver is likely going to be staying in his role as the blocking tight end because of how good he is at the position, which means Hockenson's replacement will be the main pass catcher. Johnny Mundt is expected to hold that role, but don't be surprised to see new signee Robert Tonyan make a run. He has looked good during minicamp and has thrived in the top role in the past.
Robert Tonyan has looked great in minicamp. No hyperbole. Catching everything, snagged multiple passes in red-zone period today, outstretched arms, toe-tapping in corner of the end zone. Just impressive.
— Alec Lewis (@alec_lewis) June 5, 2024
If you remember, Tonyan thrived with the Green Bay Packers during the 2020 season, catching 11 touchdowns from Aaron Rodgers. He suffered a torn ACL the next season and it hindered him in 2022 as well. He played opposite of Cole Kmet in Chicago but was never a featured guy.
Tonyan has looked good throughout minicamp and that is a good thing for the Vikings with the uncertainty at tight end to start the season.
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