Vikings snag TE Irv Smith midway through 2nd round

The Minnesota Vikings selected tight end Irv Smith Jr. out of Alabama in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft, 50th overall.

Smith was one of three high-profile tight ends in the 2019 draft class, joining first-rounders T.J. Hockenson and Noah Fant from Iowa.

Smith boasts value both as a blocker and a pass-catcher. The Vikings bolstered their much-maligned offensive line in the first round, going with North Carolina State center Garrett Bradbury.

In 15 games for the Crimson Tide last season, Smith hauled in 44 receptions for 710 yards and seven touchdowns. It was a breakout year for the junior, who began his career backing up O.J. Howard, now of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Smith figures to slot in behind veteran Kyle Rudolph on the Vikings' depth chart at tight end, though Minnesota could now conceivably deem Rudolph expendable.

Prospect profile

School: Alabama
Height: 6-2
Weight: 242 lbs

Strengths

• Number of long receptions in college display home-run ability
• Great initial burst off line of scrimmage
• Versatile weapon who lines up all over field
• Consistently bests defenders on double moves
• Experienced run-blocker who takes good angles
• Has enough speed to stretch field
• Excellent contact balance and elusiveness after catch

Weaknesses

• Not most natural hands-catcher
• Lacks ideal height and frame
• Average athlete for position
• Game speed rarely reaches second gear
• Lacks power at point of attack in run game

Bottom line

Smith will be just 21 when the 2019 season begins, but he's shown flashes of dominance that could translate well into the pros. He's a crafty route-runner who possesses enough speed to challenge opposing defenses in a variety of ways. Smith is fairly raw but has plenty of potential to be a move tight end who doubles as a big slot receiver.