5 Tight End Prospects Vikings Fans Must Watch at the 2026 NFL Combine

For the devoted NFL Draft fan, the annual Scouting Combine is a beacon of hope in the offseason darkness. While the on-field drills lack the visceral thrill of a game, they provide the first tangible data points of the new cycle, a chance to see the future of the league measured, weighed, and tested. It’s a spectacle of potential that gets fans back on the edge of their seats. This Friday, the spotlight shines on two critical position groups: defensive backs and tight ends. With the Minnesota Vikings potentially in the market for help at both spots, the 3:00 p.m. EST session on NFL Network is must-see TV. Today, we’re zeroing in on the tight ends—a position that may not scream immediate need but is poised on the precipice of becoming one.

The Looming Decision in Minnesota’s Tight End Room

The Vikings’ situation at tight end is a study in financial and football calculus. T.J. Hockenson remains one of the league’s most productive pass-catching talents at the position, but his substantial contract is a significant figure on the team’s cap sheet. As General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah continues the delicate work of getting the Vikings’ salary cap under long-term control, Hockenson’s name inevitably surfaces in “cap casualty” conversations. If a difficult decision is made to move on, the depth chart behind him—currently anchored by the capable but primarily blocking-focused Josh Oliver—would suddenly look very thin. This makes the 2026 tight end class profoundly interesting for Minnesota. Finding a dynamic, cost-controlled successor in the draft could be a strategic masterstroke. With that pivotal context, here are five tight end prospects at the 2026 Combine who could be on the Vikings’ radar.

Prospect #1: Jack Endries, Texas – The Redemption Arc

Jack Endries entered the 2025 college season with first-round hype, but his final year at Texas didn’t meet those lofty expectations. Drops and inconsistent in-line blocking marred an otherwise promising profile. However, his foundational traits remain elite. Endries possesses the prototypical size (expected to measure around 6’5″, 250 lbs) and has shown flashes of being a true “Y” tight end who can impact both the run and pass game.

What to Watch at the Combine:

• 40-Yard Dash & 10-Yard Split: Can he show the burst off the line and deep speed to threaten the seam and create mismatches?
• Three-Cone Drill: This will be critical for showcasing the agility and change-of-direction ability needed to separate as a route-runner.
• Position Drills: All eyes will be on his hands. A clean, confident receiving session could erase a lot of the 2025 doubts.

Vikings Fit: If Endries tests well, he could solidify himself as a high-upside Day 2 pick. For Minnesota, he represents a potential high-reward gamble—a player with the athletic ceiling to grow into Hockenson’s role as a primary receiving threat while developing his blocking under tight ends coach Brian Angelichio.

Prospect #2: Marcus “M.J.” Johnson, Georgia – The Bulldog Blocker

Coming from “Tight End University” at Georgia, Marcus Johnson is a throwback. He is a mauler in the run game, showcasing the technique, leverage, and sheer tenacity that made Brock Bowers’ predecessors so valuable. While not as flashy a receiver, he has reliable hands and is a nightmare for linebackers in the short middle of the field.

What to Watch at the Combine:

• Bench Press: Strength is his calling card. A top-tier number here (23+ reps) would confirm his play strength.
• Short Shuttle: This tests lateral agility and explosiveness, key for his ability to reach and seal blocks at the second level.
• Hand Size & Arm Length: Big, strong hands are a blocker’s best friend. Longer arms help him control defenders.

Vikings Fit: Johnson is the quintessential “TE2 with TE1 blocking chops.” He could form an immediate, devastating duo with Josh Oliver in 12-personnel (two-TE sets), essentially giving the Vikings two elite blockers who are credible receiving threats. He’s a safe, high-floor pick likely available on Day 2 or early Day 3.

Prospect #3: Leo Chenault, Notre Dame – The Athletic Freak

If you’re looking for the player who might “win” the Combine, Leo Chenault is a prime candidate. A former high-school basketball star, Chenault is a mismatch weapon in the mold of an Evan Engram or David Njoku. He is at his best flexed out in the slot or split wide, using his fluid movement and leaping ability to overwhelm smaller defensive backs.

What to Watch at the Combine:

• Vertical & Broad Jump: Expect eye-popping numbers. His explosive leaping ability is his signature trait.
• 40-Yard Dash: A time in the low 4.5s would send his stock soaring and confirm his downfield threat capability.
• Catch Radius Drills: Watch how naturally he plucks the ball away from his frame and adjusts to off-target throws.

Vikings Fit: Chenault offers a different dimension. He wouldn’t be a direct Hockenson replacement as an in-line player, but as a moveable chess piece for Kevin O’Connell, his potential is tantalizing. He could be a luxury pick if the Vikings address other needs first, but his unique athleticism might be too good to pass up in the late second or third round.

Prospect #4: Silas Moore, Oregon – The Complete Package

Silas Moore doesn’t have one elite, headline-grabbing trait, but he does everything at a high level. He is the most well-rounded and pro-ready tight end in the 2026 class. He’s a savvy route-runner, a strong and willing blocker, and possesses outstanding football IQ. He was the security blanket for Oregon’s offense, consistently moving the chains.

What to Watch at the Combine:

• All-Around Testing: Look for solid, above-average numbers across the board. No weak links.
• Position Drills: His technique in blocking drills and the nuance of his route-running will stand out to coaches.
• Interviews: This is where Moore will truly shine. Teams will leave impressed by his preparedness and understanding of offensive concepts.

Vikings Fit: Moore is the safe, smart pick. If the Vikings want a player who can step in from day one and contribute 500+ snaps as a reliable, do-it-all option, Moore is their man. He may not have All-Pro ceiling, but his floor is incredibly high. He’s a late first to early second-round target.

Prospect #5: Amir Washington, Colorado – The Rising Sleeper

Amir Washington benefited tremendously from the spotlight at Colorado. While slightly undersized, he is a dynamic playmaker with the ball in his hands. He’s a nightmare in the open field, showing the vision and elusiveness of a big wide receiver. His production in a pass-happy offense was impressive, and he improved his blocking technique significantly throughout his career.

What to Watch at the Combine:

• 3-Cone and Shuttle Drills: These will highlight his elite agility and short-area quickness.
• Weight & Body Composition: Has he added good mass to his frame to withstand the NFL grind without losing his quickness?
• Pass-Catching Drills: His natural receiving skills should be on full display. Look for smooth transitions upfield after the catch.

Vikings Fit: Washington is the developmental playmaker. He could be a fantastic complementary piece early in his career, used creatively on jet sweeps, screens, and crossers, while he continues to build his strength. For a creative offensive mind like O’Connell, Washington is a fascinating Day 3 tool who could provide immediate ROI as a situational weapon.

Conclusion: A Pivotal Combine for Vikings’ Future

The NFL Combine is more than just a series of drills; it’s a forecasting tool. For the Minnesota Vikings, the performances of these five tight ends—and others—will provide crucial data for a decision that hasn’t even been formally made yet. The potential departure of T.J. Hockenson would leave a massive void, but also an opportunity to reinvent the position with a younger, more cost-effective model. Whether they target a complete player like Silas Moore, a high-upside project like Leo Chenault, or a foundational blocker like Marcus Johnson, the Vikings’ brass will be watching Friday’s drills with intense interest. In the complex puzzle of NFL team building, a standout performance in Indianapolis could be the first piece in solving the Vikings’ next tight end equation.

Source: Based on news from Yahoo Sports.