2026 Vikings Training Camp Preview: Tight Ends

TIGHT ENDS

RETURNEES: T.J. Hockenson, Josh Oliver, Gavin Bartholomew, Ben Yurosek and Bryson Nesbit

NEWCOMER: Marshall Lang

2025 RECAP: Keeping the theme, Vikings tight ends had diminished returns due to a shaky offense overall. Hockenson mustered four catches on seven targets for 27 yards over McCarthy's initial two starts. The two-time Pro Bowler was peppered with chances over the next four games, though, with Wentz going his way 26 times, resulting in 21 receptions for 169 yards. Hockenson's touchdown last Sept. 21 was his first in the regular season since Nov. 27, 2023. He tallied two more scores in the campaign, but his production never really stabilized due to the QB musical chairs and a blood-thirsty injury bug that ravaged the offensive line. The latter reality forced the coaching staff to limit Hock's routes in favor of staying tight to the formation and chipping world-class edge rushers as they beamed into the backfield.

Hockenson's final numbers – 51 catches for 438 yards (8.6 avg.) – were significantly greater than Oliver's receiving line (15-160), save for the latter's career-high four TDs. Oliver had two in the Week 14 shutout win vs. Washington. Ex-Viking Ben Sims (3-30) and Yurosek (2-14) made bite-sized contributions, as well.

POSITION OVERVIEW: Hockenson and Oliver, both 29, have an established presence. The former for years has deftly found soft spots in zone defenses and acted as a security blanket for passing attacks. Oliver has hands that will swallow you and is viewed widely as one of the best run-blocking tight ends in the NFL. They're joined by Bartholomew, a sixth-round draft pick who missed his entire rookie year due to a back injury suffered during the 2025 offseason program, and Yurosek, whom the Vikings were super high on after the 2025 event. Nesbit, another UDFA signing, spent 2025 on the practice squad, and Lang, a Northwestern product, joins the bunch for camp after being added at the end of the offseason program; he spent time last season with the Seahawks and new Vikings General Manager Nolan Teasley.

COACHING CHANGE: Head Coach Kevin O'Connell promoted Ryan Cordell to Tight Ends Coach/Game Management Coordinator after one of his right hands, Brian Angelichio, accepted an elevated role with Pittsburgh as the Steelers offensive coordinator. Cordell isn't new to Minnesota or the offense, having served as a passing game specialist in prior seasons, along with spearheading the club's situational mastery, but he does get an expanded opportunity now to run a room that he previously assisted. At the 2026 Senior Bowl, Cordell shared he prides himself on caring for his players and telling them hard truths.

WHAT TO WATCH IF YOU MAKE IT TO CAMP: Once you get over how large a human Oliver is (this writer is approaching his third training camp with the team and hasn't ceased to be amazed), we recommend darting your eyes to Bartholomew, who probably has the most to prove at his position. As a prospect, Bartholomew was lauded by NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein for his aggressive blocking and rugged instincts with the rock. He's likely battling lost time for a roster spot after Yurosek made the '25 squad as a UDFA.