When the Minnesota Vikings drafted tight end MyCole Pruitt in the fifth round of the 2015 NFL Draft, it surprised quite a few fans. With Kyle Rudolph, Chase Ford and Rhett Ellison on the roster, it seemed like an odd selection when there were other positions of need on the team. However, when it was discovered that offensive coordinator Norv Turner was pounding the table on draft day for Pruitt, it makes a little more sense.

Drafting MyCole Pruitt had much larger implications than simply adding another tight end to the team for competition. It’s about trying to improve the ream at multiple spots and get talent on the roster to grow and develop. There’s no doubt that Pruitt is a solid blocker and can catch footballs, but he can also contribute using his speed on special teams as well.

In a recent article on ESPN’s website, they talked to Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer about why Norv Turner was so adamant in getting MyCole Pruitt.

“He sees guys that remind him of guys in the past,” coach Mike Zimmer said of Turner. “Norv was pretty adamant throughout the draft about, this is a guy that we’re really intrigued with. He runs 4.5 [second 40-yard dash], has a chance to be a good tight end, and it’s really important for the tight ends in our offense, as you know. He had a lot of say on that one.”

Aug 31, 2013; Champaign, IL, USA; Southern Illinois Salukis tight end MyCole Pruitt (4) catches the ball near the goal line and is stopped by Illinois Fighting Illini defensive back Earnest Thomas (9) at Memorial Stadium. Illinois won 42-34. Mandatory Credit: Pat Lovell-USA TODAY Sports

And Turner had every right to be pounding the table. The Vikings used their first three rounds worth of draft picks on defensive players during the 2015 NFL Draft and their fourth round selection went toward improving the offensive line. When the Vikings finally drafted a pass catcher for Teddy Bridgewater, it was interesting that MyCole Pruitt was the choice.

While Norv Turner is impressed with what he saw from MyCole Pruitt, that same kind of praise came from tight ends coach Kevin Stefanski after talking with Pruitt at his pro day and during the combine. Here’s what he said in the ESPN article:

“”When you’re versatile, they want to move you all around the formation,” Stefanski said. “That’s easier said than done. He was playing a couple different positions for them. It’s evident on film, and then you talk to him. He knows what he’s talking about.”

It wouldn’t be hard to see MyCole Pruitt as one of the players that seems to come out of nowhere to make the Vikings roster and start contributing early on special teams. He’s got the physical ability, the intelligence, and the work ethic to succeed in the NFL. All he needs is the opportunity to prove himself to the coaches and fans.

Watch for MyCole Pruitt during the Vikings 2015 preseason. His inclusion in the tight end competition should make things very interesting for guys like recently signed Brandon Bostick to make the 53 man roster. That is one competition to keep an eye on in Mankato.