Mike Silver, NFC exec are hyped for Titans’ Jonnu Smith in 2020

NFL Network’s Mike Silver sees big things for Jonnu Smith in 2020.

It wasn’t all that long ago that tight end Delanie Walker was what made the offense go for the Tennessee Titans.

But those days are over with Walker now gone, and Jonnu Smith is taking his place as one of the team’s most important pass-catchers.

Things didn’t exactly go well for Smith when he was initially asked to start stepping up for Walker when the veteran was injured in 2018, but he’s really come into his own since then and became one of the most versatile and effective players the Titans currently have on the roster after 2019.

Michael Silver of NFL Network is just one of many who are high on Smith going into this season.

“2020 will be the season Jonnu Smith breaks out and becomes a bona fide star,” he said.

Adding to that, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler revealed the high praise one unnamed NFL executive had for Smith.

“So well-rounded. He’s top five for me. He’s an every-down player,” an NFC exec said. “He can play 1,000 snaps at about six different positions. Has some work to do as a route runner, but he’ll get there.”

During the 2019 season, Smith was targeted 44 times and recorded 35 receptions for 439 yards and three touchdowns.

That solid season came after he suffered a torn ACL in 2018, which occurred during running back Derrick Henry’s 99-yard touchdown run against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Smith will have his first chance of the year to make an impact when the Titans open the season on the road against the Denver Broncos on Sept. 14.

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