NFC North tight end units ranked from worst to best in 2023

1. Minnesota Vikings

T.J. Hockenson, Josh Oliver, Johnny Mundt, Nick Muse, Ben Sims

Credit to the Vikings for rebuilding their tight end room over the past year. With Irv Smith Jr. signing with the Cincinnati Bengals in free agency, the Vikings had to make changes. They were a step ahead, having traded for T.J. Hockenson midway through the 2022 regular season.

Hockenson is the best tight end in the NFC North. The two-time Pro Bowler can block and catch passes. Last season, he made a total of 86 catches for 914 yards and six touchdowns, split between his time with the Lions and Vikings.

Minnesota signed Josh Oliver this offseason, who is an outstanding blocker. Pro Football Focus had Oliver ranked eighth among all tight ends last season, noting that he had their highest run-blocking grade at the position.

Oliver doesn't offer much as a receiver, but he is an excellent blocker and will help improve the Vikings' ground game, even without Dalvin Cook. Hockenson and Oliver give the Vikings a strong duo at tight end.

The Lions with LaPorta and the Packers with Musgrave and Kraft could catch the Vikings, but for now, the defending NFC North champions have the clear advantage at the tight end position.

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