Two years after the Minnesota Vikings gave him a contract extension in hopes he'd turn into a major weapon in Norv Turner's offense, Kyle Rudolph is hoping to make those projections a reality in 2016. He's healthy, he seemed to click with Teddy Bridgewater late last season and is set on improving on five seasons he feels have been mediocre. A look at the fantasy prospects for the Vikings' tight end.
Kyle Rudolph
ESPN fantasy projection: 48 catches, 502 yards, 4 TDs
Over or under: With the number of Vikings receivers that figure to be battling for targets in an offense that will lean heavily on the run, it's hard to see Rudolph going far over these numbers. If the offensive line holds up in 2016, he won't be asked to provide as much blocking help, but Bridgewater also could look toward receivers such as Stefon Diggs, Charles Johnson and Laquon Treadwell more often this season. It's probably best to assume modest numbers for Rudolph until proven otherwise.
Who else could see time: Second-year tight end MyCole Pruitt mostly worked as a blocker last season but was a prolific receiver in college, and the Vikings like his versatility. He could line up in the backfield or as a tight end, and could flash his ability as a receiver from either spot. Rhett Ellison is on his way back from a torn patellar tendon, and if he's healthy enough to play, he could head back to his role in the Vikings' multiple-tight end sets.
