Summary

• Drafted: Round 5, 157th overall (2018) by the Minnesota Vikings. Pro Football Reference

• College: Central Michigan.

• Key Statistics / Career: Over his NFL career, as of 2025, Conklin has totaled 269 receptions for ~2,639 yards and 11 touchdowns. Pro Football Reference In 2023, he had 61 catches for 621 yards. NFL.com

• Accolades / Character: Known for being a reliable, team-first tight end who offers solid receiving ability, dependable hands, and enough athleticism to be a mismatch in coverage. He’s earned respect in the locker room and has carved out a steady NFL role. (Free-agent move in 2025 to Chargers) Bolts From The Blue

Strengths

• Reliable receiving target — Good hands, dependable in contested or intermediate catches. ESPN.com

• Yards per catch / big-play ability — Career average of ~9.8 yards per reception. Pro Football Reference

• Athleticism / route-running — Agile for a tight end; can beat coverage mismatches, especially in man coverage.

• Versatility in the passing game — Used effectively on intermediate and downfield routes; is not just a check-down option. ESPN.com

• Pass-blocking capability — Viewed by some as a solid blocker in pass protection.

• Durability & experience — Consistent contributor over multiple seasons; proven staying power in the league. ESPN.com

Weaknesses

• Run-blocking limitations — While he can block, he is not a dominant run-blocker, and at times may struggle on 1-on-1 block matchups.

• Inconsistent usage / target share — His role has fluctuated over the years, and he may not always be the first-read tight end.

• Red-zone touchdown production — Not a high-volume scorer in the red zone relative to some other tight ends.

• Physicality ceiling — At ~6’3”, 248 lb, he’s not the biggest tight end; may be challenged by larger linebackers or edge blitzers in blocking. ESPN.com

• Efficiency trade-offs — In some games, efficiency (e.g., catch rate or contested conversions) may dip depending on scheme or QB play.

Fit & Outlook

Tyler Conklin fits best as a secondary receiving tight end in offenses that value multiple tight-end sets or use the TE as a matchup weapon in the passing game. He’s a good fit for teams that ask their tight ends to run routes, create mismatches, and be reliable third-down targets. With his experience, catch ability, and versatility, he can be a key piece in a TE room — not necessarily the primary red-zone weapon, but a dependable chain mover. Going forward, he projects as a valuable veteran presence who can contribute in two-tight-end sets or as a rotational pass-catching tight end. If used smartly, he can still provide strong production and help stretch defenses.