The pick is in for the Minnesota Vikings in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft, and they’ve used their selection on a tight end, selecting Irv Smith, Jr. from the University of Alabama.
We had identified tight end as a need for the Vikings, and sure enough they went and grabbed the guy that was probably the #3 tight end in this year’s draft class behind the two Iowa tight ends that went in Round 1.
According to NFL.com, Smith’s closest NFL comparison is long-time NFL veteran Ben Watson.
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.
Smith set an Alabama record for touchdowns by a tight end with seven in his final season in Tuscaloosa, and ran a 4.63 40-yard dash at this year’s NFL Scouting Combine. It looks like he has the ability to create some serious mismatches for the Minnesota offense, and that’s something that’s always welcome.
So, what do you think about the Vikings’ selection of Irv Smith, Jr.?
Poll
How would you grade the Vikings’ selection of Alabama TE Irv Smith, Jr., with the 50th selection in the 2019 NFL Draft?
This poll is closed
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11%
A+
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24%
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15%
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20%
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13%
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4%
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2%
C+
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2%
C
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0%
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0%
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0%
D
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1%
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