Analyzing the opponent: Ranking NFC North Tight End Groups

January 7, 2017; Seattle, WA, USA; Detroit Lions tight end Eric Ebron (85) reaches for a pass against the Seattle Seahawks during the second half in the NFC Wild Card playoff football game at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
January 7, 2017; Seattle, WA, USA; Detroit Lions tight end Eric Ebron (85) reaches for a pass against the Seattle Seahawks during the second half in the NFC Wild Card playoff football game at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
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Jan 1, 2017; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings tight end Kyle Rudolph (82) against the Chicago Bears at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Bears 38-10. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2017; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings tight end Kyle Rudolph (82) against the Chicago Bears at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Bears 38-10. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

3. Vikings

Kyle Rudolph, David Morgan, Bucky Hodges, Kyle Carter

Rudolph carries the unit and is valuable enough to make the case that the Vikings should be higher on the rankings. Last season Rudolph set career highs in receptions and yards and put up seven touchdowns to go with it. He has played 16 games in each of the past two seasons, and injury is a big question mark on his resume. He has been the most consistent player on the offense recently.

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However, the depth behind him is the worst in the division. Morgan has the size but played 61 snaps in his rookie season. Hodges is a wide receiver who is too big to consistently be that, so the team is moving him to tight end. He may end up being a big slot option with Rudolph being a strong inline blocker. However, Hodges does not play as physical as his size leads you to believe, and that could be why he slipped in the draft this year.

Carter is a complete unknown and may not even make the team. Rudolph has been healthy, but if he were to go down it may be the most questionable group in football entering the season.

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