Minnesota Vikings Top Ten Tight Ends

The recent retirement of Rob Gronkowski inspired me to rank the Top 10 tight ends in NFL history. That and the recent Kyle Rudolph news has me thinking about the tight ends of the Minnesota Vikings. Currently and historically. Currently, I’m not sure if the Vikings should bring back Rudolph. I’m just glad the decision isn’t mine. What is my decision is how I see the Top 10 tight ends in Vikings franchise history. Historically, here’s how I see the Top 10 Tight Ends in Minnesota Vikings franchise history. 

1.   Steve Jordan

2.   Kyle Rudolph

3.   Jim Kleinsasser

4.   Visanthe Shiancoe

5.   Stu Voigt

6.   Joe Senser

7.   Jermaine Wiggins

8.   Tyler Conklin

9.   Byron Chamberlain

10. Andrew Glover

It’s a top heavy group. Steve Jordan, Kyle Rudolph, and Jim Kleinsasser are franchise all-timers. After that, it’s a bit of “short-timers” and “could’ve beens.” 

Imagine a tight end that could move and catch like Steve Jordan and block like Jim Kleinsasser. That tight end would be in Canton.

Joe Senser is the biggest “could’ve been.” With Kellen Winslow, Ozzie Newsome, and Dave Casper scattered around the league, the tight end position was becoming a serious offensive weapon. Joe Senser emerged as one of the most promising young tight ends in the league. After a strong rookie season in 1980, he exploded with 79 catches and 1004 yards in 1981. Then injuries hit. By 1984, he was done. In an era of great tight ends, Senser had the talent and could’ve been one of the league’s best. 

If he can stay on the field, Irv Smith Jr. has the talent to soar up this list.