Vikings get backup for Rudolph with Conklin in 5th

The Minnesota Vikings have selected tight end Tyler Conklin out of Central Michigan with the 157th pick in the fifth round of the 2018 NFL Draft after a trade up with the New York Jets.

The Jets received the 167th and 225th overall picks from the Vikings for the selection.

Conklin is the first player the Vikings have drafted at an offensive skill position this year and the fourth prospect taken by the club. He will serve as a backup to veteran Kyle Rudolph with the potential to make an impact in the red zone.

Tyler Conklin Bio

Position: TE
School: Central Michigan
College Experience: Senior
Height: 6-4
Weight: 240 lbs

What the analysts are saying

• "He's a capable receiver, but he isn't going to make a living as a pass-catching tight end." Lance Zierlein, NFL.com
• "Former basketball player who wins on the gridiron due to many of the skills he learned on the court, including the slippery moves to get open, body control and core strength to box-out defenders." Rob Rang, NFLDraftScout.com

Athletic testing