Zach

Davidson

Davidson is at least the fifth member of Minnesota’s 2021 draft class to get his walking papers Tuesday. Selected in the fifth round last year, the 6'7/265 tight end didn’t play as a rookie but did catch 6-of-11 targets for 65 yards this preseason.

It’s a surprising move since Tyler Conklin just recently returned from a nagging hamstring injury and Irv Smith (knee) could miss the entire year. Brandon Dillon will stay in place as the team’s second tight end behind Conklin for as long as Smith is out. Davidson could pass through waivers and immediately return to Minnesota’s practice squad given its shoddy depth at that position.

Davidson (6'6/245) first learned how to play the tight end position as a sophomore in college, simultaneously being used as Central Missouri’s punter (his position in high school) for three consecutive seasons. His splashy (yet extremely raw) tape includes a receiving touchdown (18) for every 2.8 catches against Division II competition throughout his career. He’s a worthy stash option for the Vikings as a developmental No. 3 project and backup punter.