The Minnesota Vikings may have selected the successor to Kyle Rudolph.
With the 50th pick, the Vikings took tight end Irv Smith Jr. out of Alabama.
Here’s what our Zone Coverage Draft Guide said about Smith.
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The son of a former first-round pick, Irv Smith Jr., 20, could also be a high draftee. An athletic tight end out of Alabama, Smith looks to become the next O.J. Howard after delivering a breakout 2018 season where he amassed 710 yards and seven touchdowns. Won second-team All-SEC honors by becoming a reliable option for Tua Tagovailoa in the passing game. His speed made him effective downfield and as a pass-catcher from the slot. Was hit or miss at the Combine but demonstrated excellent straight-line speed. At only 20 – with only one year as a starter under his belt — he is an unfinished product.
Size
6-2, 242 pounds
Combine notables
40-yard dash: 4.63 seconds (T3rd at position)
Bench: 19 reps
Vertical: 32.5 inches
Broad jump: 110 inches (T3rd shortest at position)
3-cone drill: 7.32 seconds (4th slowest at position)
What the analysts say
“Smith is still green in terms of overall experience, which shows up in run-blocking and route-running, but he has plenty of talent and is likely to get much better in both areas. He has combination tight end talent but really flashes as a move blocker at fullback or wingback spots. His buildup speed sets him apart as a big, field-stretching option and once he gets rolling after the catch. O.J. Howard was bigger, and a better athlete, but like Howard, Smith offers Pro Bowl potential as a well-rounded tight end prospect.” – Lance Zierlein, NFL.com
“Irv Smith projects favorably as a modern day tight end. Smith has consistent flashes in the receiving game and will enter the league with blocking chops as well. There’s not a lot of cons to Smith’s profile, he’s a very well rounded player who should be able to transition quickly to the pros. Smith’s ceiling is as a Pro Bowl caliber Tight End, his well rounded skills will enable him high snap percentages and his versatility as a receiver will allow him to excel in nearly any offense.” – Kyle Crabbs, The Draft Network
What PFF says
-T1st in yards per route run
-15th in drop rate (6.38 percent)
-5th in slot yards
-5th in deep pass receptions (5)
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Browse the rest of the Zone Coverage Draft Guide.
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