Irv Smith Jr. is Ready to Show Minnesota What He Can Do
LeeAnn Lowman
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During the summer of 2021, Irv Smith Jr. released highlight videos showing his many improved skills and fans were elated. When he tore his meniscus in the third preseason game, those hopes came crashing down. Now Smith is back, participating fully and ready to show Minnesota what he can do.
Draft Potential
The Vikings drafted Smith in the second round of the 2019 draft from the University of Alabama. Smith performed well enough during his rookie and sophomore seasons. His combined total is 66 receptions for 676 yards and 7 touchdowns. While those stats do not light the world on fire he showed steady and consistent growth.
Rising Star
Smith received great praise from his coaches, teammates, and fans for showing steady and consistent improvement. He did not let the pressure of playing in the pros or some miscues set him back. Instead, heading into the 2021 season, the world saw an improved version of the tight end that was drafted. The hope is that he can show that improvement in 2022.
The Future is Bright
Smith states that he is healed and ready to play. He says he is excited to be back doing what he loves. Smith can’t wait to show the coaches and his teammates that he can make the big plays. He attended Travis Kelce’s Tight End University and spent time brainstorming and running drills with the best in the business.
If Smith can truly perform as a multi-faceted threat in the offense, he can help take some pressure off Justin Jefferson and Dalvin Cook while offering QB Kirk Cousins another option. For Smith, this is certainly a make-or-break season that will set the tone for the rest of his career in the NFL. He needs to come to play in 2022 and show the Vikings – and any other teams that may want him in free agency – just what an incredible player he is.
Irv Smith Jr. has the size and skill to be a Pro Bowl tight end. The Vikings are very lucky to have him and are looking forward to seeing what he can do!
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