2nd round pick- Vikings select Irv Smith- TE Alabama

[Pondering Her Percy]

Smith (6’2/242) succeeded O.J. Howard as the Crimson Tide’s primary tight end, turning pro after three seasons with a career 58/838/10 (14.4 YPR) receiving line. As a 2018 junior, Smith averaged 16.1 yards per catch and generated a 157.7 passer rating when targeted to lead all SEC tight ends. Although Smith’s 4.63 forty impressed in Indy, his sluggish three-cone time (7.32) aligned with his college tape, where Smith showed limited agility and post-catch shake. Smith won’t turn 21 until August and has ample room for growth, but he may max out as a situational "move" tight end and lacks the long-term ceiling of Noah Fant or T.J. Hockenson. Immediately following the selection, NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah reported Kyle Rudolph's name had been "floating around" in trade rumors. If Smith doesn't overtake an every-down role for the Vikings this season, he's in line to start in 2020 following Rudolph's inevitable release once his contract is up next year.

Love the pick. Jeremiah’s #29 player and we got him at 50. Excellent value and is comped to Jordan Reed

[S197]

I don't mind it but question if it's a better choice than AJ Brown or any of the other WRs that were available.

[Husker Vike]

I agree on the value, but I would have rather it been Trysten Hill DT, or Max Scharping, OT.

[S197]

It does please me that the Packers are basically drafting the same position as us so far but after our pick.

[S197]

Whoa in division trade down, that's unusual...

[Maelstrom88]

Fantastic pick and great value. Rick knows how to draft. I hope they keep Rudolph for another year. Love drafting players with bloodlines.

[808vikingsfan]

My favorite pick so far. Matchup nightmare for LBs. Will make Cousins better. Makes Rudolph and his salary expendable.

[YikesVikes]

Can I add one reason Rick should be fired? is this the first kid from Alabama we have drafted since he's been GM? I can't think of any others. WTF?

[PurpleKoolaid]

Can I add one reason Rick should be fired? is this the first kid from Alabama we have drafted since he's been GM? I can't think of any others. WTF?

Hmm, I thought we drafted a Bama tackle a few years ago, later round.

But yeah, can pretty much draft any player on either side of the ball with Bama.

[S197]

Can I add one reason Rick should be fired? is this the first kid from Alabama we have drafted since he's been GM? I can't think of any others. WTF?

Isn't Jaleel from Bama?

[PurpleMustReign]

Can I add one reason Rick should be fired? is this the first kid from Alabama we have drafted since he's been GM? I can't think of any others. WTF?

Isn't Jaleel from Bama?

He's from Iowa.
Since 2010 the Vikings have drafted one player from Alabama before Smith. Austin Shepherd, who I thought was underrated. I thought he did better than some of the other guys we had but he never played.

[fiestavike]

Not a fan of this pick. Hopefully I'm wrong about him.

[halfgiz]

Smith was the 3rd rated TE. Hock, Fant and Smith in that order.
Knocks...not a great blocker and he is only 6'2"

[fiestavike]

Smith was the 3rd rated TE. Hock, Fant and Smith in that order.
Knocks...not a great blocker and he is only 6'2"

Also cant stay on his feet very well, even against air.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Hp9r9EdTb4

[dead_poet]

Unlike Bradberry, Smith is only 20 and playing a position where it's very hard to transition from college to the NFL. I don't expect Smith to do more than be a situational, package/down-specific TE this year. Don't hate the pick as it's good to find Rudolph's replacement this year (I doubt Kyle is on the roster next year).