Kyle Rudolph

Take a look at the Vikings depth chart and you'll quickly discover that Kyle Rudolph is bound to be one of Kirk Cousins' top targets. Cousins, meanwhile, is not only among the most efficient passers, but is also one of only five quarterbacks with at least 13,000 passing yards over the past three years. Perhaps most importantly, he loves throwing to tight end, as evidenced by the strong production of Niles Paul, Jordan Reed and Vernon Davis since Cousins took over. Rudolph is no slouch either. We have recently seen an 83 reception, 840 yard, 7 touchdown season, and he may pass all of those totals in 2018.

Kyle Rudolph had offseason ankle surgery

TwinCities.com is reporting that tight end Kyle Rudolph had ankle surgery back in February to clean up an injury that bothered him throughout last season, though he did participate in OTAs.

Fantasy Impact

In the article, Rudolph goes on to say "“I’ve had five surgeries in the last 10 years. It’s funny when you sit there, the nurses are getting ready for pre-op, and the doctors are talking to you. I honestly feel like I’m in the dentist office getting my teeth cleaned.” The reason it's big that he's out there for OTAs is that he's got to learn a new offense and develop some chemistry with new quarterback Kirk Cousins. New offensive coordinator John DeFilippo has has a history of success with both Gary Barnidge back in 2015, and then with Zach Ertz in 2017. It's never good to hear a player talk about his surgeries so nonchalantly, but it hasn't stopped him from ranking third in receptions, sixth in yards, and second in touchdowns among tight ends over the last two seasons. He should be considered a mid-tier TE1 in 2018.